Monologue

Manders Monologue from Ghosts: A Domestic Tragedy in Three Acts

From Ghosts: A Domestic Tragedy in Three Acts by Henrik Ibsen

male · philosophical · 1:45 min

It was the height of imprudence, your seeking refuge with me. (Mrs. Alving: With our priest? With our intimate friend?) All the more on that account; you should thank God that I possessed the necessary strength of mind--that I was able to turn you from your outrageous intention, and that it was vouchsafed to me to succeed in leading you back into the path of duty, and back to your lawful husband. (Mrs. Alving: Yes, Mr. Manders, that certainly was your doing.) I was but the humble instrument of a higher power. And is it not true that my having been able to bring you again under the yoke of duty and obedience sowed the seeds of a rich blessing on all the rest of your life? Did things not turn out as I foretold to you? Did not your husband turn from straying in the wrong path, as a man should? Did he not, after that, live a life of love and good report with you all his days? Did he not become a benefactor to the neighbourhood? Did he not so raise you up to his level, so that by degree you became his fellow-worker in all his undertakings--and a noble fellow-worker, too. I know, Mrs. Alving; that praise I will give you. But now I come to the second serious false step in your life.

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