Monologue

Hjalmar Monologue from The Wild Duck

From The Wild Duck by Henrik Ibsen

male · anguished · 1:10 min

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I do not. And then the pistol played a part too in another incident in the history of our house. When he had donned the gray dress, and was set under lock and key--ah! believe me that was a terrible time for me. I had pulled down the blinds of both my windows. When I looked out, I saw that the sun was shining as was its wont. I could not understand. I saw men walking about the streets, laughing and gossipping of indifferent matters. I could not understand. I thought all the universe must be standing still as at an eclipse of the sun. (GREGERS: I felt so when my mother died.) In that same hour Hjalmar Ekdal turned the pistol towards his own breast. (GREGERS: So you, too, thought of that!) Yes.

About this piece

Hjalmar reflects on a traumatic event in his family's history, grappling with feelings of confusion and isolation while the world outside continues unaffected.

30s · confusion · isolation · identity · family · despair

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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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