Monologue

Drummle Monologue from The Second Mrs. Tanqueray

From The Second Mrs. Tanqueray by Arthur Wing Pinero

male · philosophical · 1:51 min

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A mistake, not in regarding your Ellean as an angel, but in believing that, under any circumstances, it would be possible for her to go through life without getting her white robe--shall we say, a little dusty at the hem? Don't take me for a cynic. I am sure there are many women upon earth who are almost divinely innocent; but being on earth, they must send their robes to the laundry occasionally. Ah, and it's right that they should have to do so, for what can they learn from the checking of their little washing-bills but lessons of charity? Now I see but two courses open to you for the disposal of your angel. (AUBREY.: Yes?) You must either restrict her to a paradise which is, like every earthly paradise, necessarily somewhat imperfect, or treat her as an ordinary flesh-and-blood young woman, and give her the advantages of that society to which she properly belongs. (AUBREY.: Advantages?) My dear Aubrey, of all forms of innocence mere ignorance is the least admirable. Take my advice, let her walk and talk and suffer and be healed with the great crowd. Do it, and hope that she'll some day meet a good, honest fellow who'll make her life complete, happy, secure. Now you see what I'm driving at.

About this piece

Drummle reflects on the unrealistic expectations placed on women, particularly in relation to innocence and experience, suggesting a deeper understanding of life's complexities.

30s · melancholy · innocence · charity · disillusionment · the nature of womanhood

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