Monologue

Captain Monologue from The Father

From The Father by August Strindberg

male · anguished · 1:34 min

Rehearse this freeFind more monologues
No, but just enough. But, you see, Doctor, that woman was so unconsciously dishonest that she talked to her husband about the fancy she had taken to me. That's what makes it dangerous, this very unconsciousness of their instinctive dishonesty. That is a mitigating circumstance, I admit, but it cannot nullify judgment, only soften it. (DOCTOR: Captain, your thoughts are taking a morbid turn, and you ought to control them.) You must not use the word morbid. Steam boilers, as you know, explode at it certain pressure, but the same pressure is not needed for all boiler explosions. You understand? However, you are here to watch me. If I were not a man I should have the right to make accusations or complaints, as they are so cleverly called, and perhaps I should be able to give you the whole diagnosis, and, what is more, the history of my disease. But unfortunately, I am a man, and there is nothing for me to do but, like a Roman, fold my arms across my breast and hold my breath till I die.

About this piece

The Captain reflects on his condition and the pressures of masculinity, feeling trapped and powerless in a world that demands stoicism.

40s · despair · identity · isolation · death · madness

Rehearse Captain's monologue

Run it out loud with a spotlight that follows your voice, line by line, until it's off the page. Free to start, no credit card.

Rehearse freeStart rehearsing

More from The Father

Browse