Monologue

Dominican Monologue from To Damascus

From To Damascus by August Strindberg

male · dark · 1:09 min

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Wait! Last year a man was brought to the Convent of St. Saviour, where I'm Confessor, under the circumstances you describe. Whilst he was feverish he opened his heart to me, and there was scarcely a sin of which he didn't confess his guilt. But when he came to himself again, he said he remembered nothing. So to prove him in heart and reins I used the secret apostolic powers that are given us; and, as a trial, employed the lesser curse. For when a crime's been done in secret, the curse of Deuteronomy is read over the suspected man. If he's innocent, he goes his way unscathed. But if he's struck by it, then, as Paul relates, 'he is delivered unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved.'

About this piece

The Dominican, as a Confessor, reflects on a past incident involving a man who confessed his sins while feverish, exploring themes of guilt and the consequences of secret crimes through the lens of religious doctrine.

40s · fear · redemption · faith · guilt · power

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