Monologue

Nurse Monologue from The Father

From The Father by August Strindberg

female · contemplative · 2:30 min

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Mr. Adolf, do you remember when you were my dear little boy and I tucked you in at night and used to repeat: "God who holds his children dear" to you, and do you remember how I used to get up in the night and give you a drink, how I would light the candle and tell you stories when you had bad dreams and couldn't sleep? Do you remember all that? (CAPTAIN: Go on talking, Margret, it soothes my head so. Tell me some more.) O yes, but you must listen then! Do you remember when you took the big kitchen knife and wanted to cut out boats with it, and how I came in and had to get the knife away by fooling you? You were just a little child who didn't understand, so I had to fool you, for you didn't know that it was for your own good. "Give me that snake," I said, "or it will bite you!" and then you let go of the knife. (Takes the revolver out of the Captain's hand.) And then when you had to be dressed and didn't want to, I had to coax you and say that you should have a coat of gold and be dressed like a prince. And then I took your little blouse that was just made of green wool and held it in front of you and said: "In with both arms," and then I said, "Now sit nice and still while I button it down the back," (She puts the straightjacket on) and then I said, "Get up now, and walk across the floor like a good boy so I can see how it fits." (She leads him to the sofa.) And then I said, "Now you must go to bed."

About this piece

The Nurse reflects on her past experiences with a child, illustrating her protective role and the innocence of childhood, while emphasizing the need for guidance and care.

50s · trust · family · childhood · protection · innocence

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