Monologue

Nicola Monologue from Arms and the Man

From Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw

any · defiant · 1:34 min

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((going up close to her for greater emphasis.)). Never you mind my soul; but just listen to my advice. If you want to be a lady, your present behaviour to me won’t do at all, unless when we’re alone. It’s too sharp and impudent; and impudence is a sort of familiarity: it shews affection for me. And don’t you try being high and mighty with me either. You’re like all country girls: you think it’s genteel to treat a servant the way I treat a stable-boy. That’s only your ignorance; and don’t you forget it. And don’t be so ready to defy everybody. Act as if you expected to have your own way, not as if you expected to be ordered about. The way to get on as a lady is the same as the way to get on as a servant: you’ve got to know your place; that’s the secret of it. And you may depend on me to know my place if you get promoted. Think over it, my girl. I’ll stand by you: one servant should always stand by another.

About this piece

Nicola advises a young woman on how to navigate societal expectations and class dynamics, emphasizing the importance of knowing one's place in the social hierarchy.

20s · determination · identity · power · class · ambition

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