Monologue

Ivanoff Monologue from Ivanoff: A Play

From Ivanoff: A Play by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov

male · sarcastic · 1:40 min

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(Laughing) I have noticed that whenever you start reforming me and saving my soul, and teaching me how to be good, your face grows naive, oh so naive, and your eyes grow as wide as if you were looking at a comet. Wait a moment; your shoulder is covered with dust. (He brushes her shoulder) A naive man is nothing better than a fool, but you women contrive to be naive in such a way that in you it seems sweet, and gentle, and proper, and not as silly as it really is. What a strange way you have, though, of ignoring a man as long as he is well and happy, and fastening yourselves to him as soon as he begins to whine and go down-hill! Do you actually think it is worse to be the wife of a strong man than to nurse some whimpering invalid? (SASHA: Yes, it is worse.) Why do you think so? (Laughing loudly) It is a good thing Darwin can't hear what you are saying! He would be furious with you for degrading the human race. Soon, thanks to your kindness, only invalids and hypochondriacs will be born into the world.

About this piece

30s · joy · identity · power · gender dynamics · societal expectations

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