Monologue

Man Monologue from Arms and the Man

From Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw

male · anguished · 1:25 min

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(drowsily). Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep, slee—(The words trail off into a murmur. He wakes again with a shock on the point of falling.) Where am I? That’s what I want to know: where am I? Must keep awake. Nothing keeps me awake except danger—remember that—(intently) danger, danger, danger, dan— Where’s danger? Must find it. (He starts of vaguely around the room in search of it.) What am I looking for? Sleep—danger—don’t know. ((He stumbles against the bed.)) Ah, yes: now I know. All right now. I’m to go to bed, but not to sleep—be sure not to sleep—because of danger. Not to lie down, either, only sit down. ((He sits on the bed. A blissful expression comes into his face.)) Ah! (With a happy sigh he sinks back at full length; lifts his boots into the bed with a final effort; and falls fast asleep instantly.) ((Catherine comes in, followed by Raina.))

About this piece

The character is in a state of distress, struggling to stay awake while grappling with the concept of danger and the need for rest, reflecting a chaotic mental state.

20s · confusion · danger · sleep · isolation · conflict

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