Monologue

Tempter Monologue from To Damascus

From To Damascus by August Strindberg

male · philosophical · 1:16 min

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Bon! Then listen, Argives! It was like this. Your humble servant, born of poor but fairly honourable parents, was from the beginning one of those strange birds who, in their youth, go in search of their Creator--but without ever finding him, naturally! It's more usual for old cuckoos to look for him in their dotage--and for good reasons! The urge for this youthful quest was accompanied by a purity of heart and a modesty that even caused his nurses to smile--yes, we can laugh now when we hear that this boy would only change his underclothing in the dark! But even if we're corrupted by the crudities of life, we're still bound to find something beautiful in it; and if we're older something touching! And so we can afford to-day to laugh at his childish innocence. Scornful laughter, listeners, please. MAGISTRATE (seriously). He mistakes his listeners.

About this piece

The Tempter reflects on his past innocence and the search for meaning, addressing an audience with a mix of nostalgia and irony.

20s · melancholy · identity · innocence · corruption · self-discovery

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Run it out loud with a spotlight that follows your voice, line by line, until it's off the page. Free to start, no credit card.

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