Monologue

Kate Monologue from THE TWELVE-POUND LOOK

From THE TWELVE-POUND LOOK by SIR JAMES M. BARRIE

female · anguished · 1:32 min

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Haven't you heard of them? They are something fine; and every woman is loath to admit to herself that her husband is not one. When she marries, even though she has been a very trivial person, there is in her some vague stirring toward a worthy life, as well as a fear of her capacity for evil. She knows her chance lies in him. If there is something good in him, what is good in her finds it, and they join forces against the baser parts. So I didn't give you up willingly, Harry. I invented all sorts of theories to explain you. Your hardness--I said it was a fine want of mawkishness. Your coarseness--I said it goes with strength. Your contempt for the weak--I called it virility. Your want of ideals was clear-sightedness. Your ignoble views of women--I tried to think them funny. Oh, I clung to you to save myself. But I had to let go; you had only the one quality, Harry, success; you had it so strong that it swallowed all the others.

About this piece

Kate reflects on her relationship with Harry, revealing her internal struggle and the disillusionment she feels as she confronts the reality of his character.

30s · sadness · identity · betrayal · love · ambition

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