Monologue

Willie Monologue from Hobson's Choice: A Lancashire Comedy in Four Acts

From Hobson's Choice: A Lancashire Comedy in Four Acts by Harold Brighouse

male · defiant · 2:06 min

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All right, I will. We've been a year in yon wretched cellar and do you know what we've done? We've paid off Mrs. Hepworth what she lent us for our start and made a bit o' brass on top o' that. We've got your high-class trade away from you. That shop's a cellar, and as you say, it's wretched, but they come to us in it, and they don't come to you. Your trade's gone down till all you sell is clogs. You've got no trade, and me and Maggie's got it all and now you're on your bended knees to her to come and live with you, and all you think to offer me is my old job at eighteen shillings a week. Me that's the owner of a business that is starving yours to death. (HOBSON: But--but--you're Will Mossop, you're my old shoe hand.) Aye. I were, but I've moved on a bit since then. Your daughter married me and set about my education. And--and now I'll tell you what I'll do and it'll be the handsome thing and all from me to you. I'll close my shop-- (HOBSON: Oh! That doesn't sound like doing so well.) I'm doing well, but I'll do better here. I'll transfer to this address and what I'll do that's generous is this: I'll take you into partnership and give you your half-share on the condition you're sleeping partner and you don't try interference on with me. (Goes L.)

About this piece

20s · determination · power · ambition · identity · betrayal

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