The Abbe Monologue from There Are Crimes and Crimes

From There Are Crimes and Crimes by August Strindberg

male · philosophical · 1:07 min

No, it is not for me to loose or bind. He must do that himself. (MAURICE: Well, I go with the Abbe.) No, my young friend. I have nothing to give you but a scolding, which you can give yourself. And you owe a duty to yourself and to your good name. That you have got through with this as quickly as you have is to me a sign that you have suffered your punishment as intensely as if it had lasted an eternity. And when Providence absolves you there is nothing for me to add. (MAURICE: But why did the punishment have to be so hard when I was innocent?) Hard? Only two days! And you were not innocent. For we have to stand responsible for our thoughts and words and desires also. And in your thought you became a murderer when your evil self wished the life out of your child.

Rehearse The Abbe's monologue

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.

Rehearse free Get started free