Monologue

Man Monologue from Arms and the Man

From Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw

male · defiant · 1:01 min

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(cunningly). Ah; but suppose I don’t shoot you, what will happen then? Why, a lot of your cavalry—the greatest blackguards in your army—will burst into this pretty room of yours and slaughter me here like a pig; for I’ll fight like a demon: they shan’t get me into the street to amuse themselves with: I know what they are. Are you prepared to receive that sort of company in your present undress? (Raina, suddenly conscious of her nightgown, instinctively shrinks and gathers it more closely about her. He watches her, and adds, pitilessly) It’s rather scanty, eh? (She turns to the ottoman. He raises his pistol instantly, and cries) Stop! (She stops.) Where are you going?

About this piece

The character is in a tense situation, contemplating the consequences of not defending himself against an impending threat, while also addressing the absurdity of the circumstances.

20s · fear · power · survival · identity · conflict

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