Monologue

Captain Monologue from The Father

From The Father by August Strindberg

male · anguished · 1:35 min

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Give me my army coat!--Throw it over me! Ah, my rough lion skin that, you wanted to take away from me! Omphale! Omphale! You cunning woman, champion of peace and contriver of man's disarmament. Wake, Hercules, before they take your club away from you! You would wile our armor from us too, and make believe that it is nothing but glittering finery. No, it was iron, let me tell you, before it ever glittered. In olden days the smith made the armor, now it is the needle woman. Omphale! Omphale! Rude strength has fallen before treacherous weakness. Out on you infernal woman, and damnation on your sex! What have you given me for a pillow, Margret? It is so hard, and so cold, so cold. Come and sit near me. There. May I put my head on your knee? So!--This is warm! Bend over me so that I can feel your breast! Oh, it is sweet to sleep against a woman's breast, a mother's, or a mistress's, but the mother's is sweetest.

About this piece

The Captain expresses his frustration and vulnerability, grappling with feelings of loss and the influence of women in his life, while seeking comfort in a moment of intimacy.

40s · longing · power · identity · feminine influence · vulnerability

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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.

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