Monologue

Mrs Warren Monologue from Mrs. Warren's Profession

From Mrs. Warren's Profession by George Bernard Shaw

female · anguished · 1:49 min

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Liz didn’t, I can tell you: she had more spirit. We both went to a church school--that was part of the ladylike airs we gave ourselves to be superior to the children that knew nothing and went nowhere--and we stayed there until Liz went out one night and never came back. I know the schoolmistress thought I’d soon follow her example; for the clergyman was always warning me that Lizzie’d end by jumping off Waterloo Bridge. Poor fool: that was all he knew about it! But I was more afraid of the whitelead factory than I was of the river; and so would you have been in my place. That clergyman got me a situation as a scullery maid in a temperance restaurant where they sent out for anything you liked. Then I was a waitress; and then I went to the bar at Waterloo station: fourteen hours a day serving drinks and washing glasses for four shillings a week and my board. That was considered a great promotion for me. Well, one cold, wretched night, when I was so tired I could hardly keep myself awake, who should come up for a half of Scotch but Lizzie, in a long fur cloak, elegant and comfortable, with a lot of sovereigns in her purse. VIVIE My aunt Lizzie!

About this piece

Mrs. Warren reflects on her past and the choices that led her to her current situation, contrasting her life with that of her friend Lizzie, who seems to have found success and comfort.

30s · fear · identity · freedom · betrayal · ambition

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