Monologue

Julie Monologue from Miss Julie

From Miss Julie by August Strindberg

female · anguished · 2:19 min

Rehearse this freeFind more monologues
It must be a terrible misfortune to be poor. JEAN . Oh, Miss Julie, a dog may lie on the couch of a Countess, a horse may be caressed by a lady's hand, but a servant--yes, yes, sometimes there is stuff enough in a man, whatever he be, to swing himself up in the world, but how often does that happen! But to return to the story, do you know what I did? I ran down to the mill dam and threw myself in with my clothes on--and was pulled out and got a thrashing. But the following Sunday when all the family went to visit my grandmother I contrived to stay at home; I scrubbed myself well, put on my best clothes, such as they were, and went to church so that I might see you. I saw you. Then I went home with my mind made up to put an end to myself. But I wanted to do it beautifully and without pain. Then I happened to remember that elderberry blossoms are poisonous. I knew where there was a big elderberry bush in full bloom and I stripped it of its riches and made a bed of it in the oat-bin. Have you ever noticed how smooth and glossy oats are? As soft as a woman's arm.--Well, I got in and let down the cover, fell asleep, and when I awoke I was very ill, but didn't die--as you see. What I wanted--I don't know. You were unattainable, but through the vision of you I was made to realize how hopeless it was to rise above the conditions of my birth.

About this piece

Julie reflects on her feelings of inadequacy and despair stemming from her social status and unattainable desires, revealing a deep internal conflict and a sense of hopelessness.

20s · despair · identity · class struggle · hopelessness · suicide

Rehearse Julie'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 Miss Julie

  • Julieanguished · 1:08 min
  • Jeancontemplative · 51 sec
  • Jeananguished · 1:10 min
  • Jeanmelancholic · 2:24 min
  • Julieanguished · 1:01 min
  • Jeananguished · 58 sec

Browse