Monologue

Engstrand Monologue from Ghosts

From Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen

male · defiant · 1:41 min

Rehearse this freeFind more monologues
A regular high-class affair, of course; not any sort of pig-sty for common sailors. No! damn it! it would be for captains and mates, and--and--regular swells, you know. (REGINA: And I was to--?) You were to help, to be sure. Only for the look of the thing, you understand. Devil a bit of hard work shall you have, my girl. You shall do exactly what you like. (REGINA: Oh, indeed!) But there must be a petticoat in the house; that's as clear as daylight. For I want to have it a bit lively like in the evenings, with singing and dancing, and so on. You must remember they're weary wanderers on the ocean of life. (Nearer.) Now don't be a fool and stand in your own light, Regina. What's to become of you out here? Your mistress has given you a lot of learning; but what good is that to you? You're to look after the children at the new Orphanage, I hear. Is that the sort of thing for you, eh? Are you so dead set on wearing your life out for a pack of dirty brats?

About this piece

Engstrand expresses his desire for a lively atmosphere in the house, while questioning Regina's future and the value of her education, revealing his disdain for her potential role in the orphanage.

40s · disgust · identity · power · freedom · isolation

Rehearse Engstrand'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 Ghosts