Monologue

Mrs X Monologue from THE STRONGER

From THE STRONGER by AUGUST STRINDBERG

female · contemplative · 2:19 min

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It was so peculiar, the way our acquaintance--why, I was afraid of you when I first met you; so afraid that I did not dare to let you out of sight. It didn't matter where I tried to go--I always found myself near you. I didn't have the courage to be your enemy--and so I became your friend. But there was always something discordant in the air when you called at our home, for I saw that my husband didn't like you--and it annoyed me--just as it does when a dress won't fit. I've tried my very best to make him appear friendly to you at least, but I couldn't move him--not until you were engaged. Then you two became such fast friends that it almost looked as if you had not dared to show your real feelings before, when it was not safe--and later--let me see, now! I didn't get jealous--strange, was it not? And I remember the baptism--you were acting as godmother, and I made him kiss you--and he did, but both of you looked terribly embarrassed--that is, I didn't think of it then--or afterwards, even--I never thought of it--till--now! Why don't you say something? You have not uttered a single word all this time. You've just let me go on talking. You've been sitting there staring at me only, and your eyes have drawn out of me all these thoughts which were lying in me like silk in a cocoon--thoughts--bad thoughts maybe--let me think. Why did you break your engagement? Why have you never called on us afterward? Why don't you want to be with us to-night?

About this piece

Mrs. X reflects on her complex feelings towards a friend and her husband, revealing underlying tensions and unspoken emotions during a tense conversation.

30s · confusion · jealousy · identity · friendship · betrayal

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