EASTER
A monologue from the
play by August
Strindberg
|
NOTE: This monologue is reprinted
from Easter and Stories. Trans. Velma Swanston Howard.
Cincinnati: Stewart & Kidd Company, 1912. |
|
|
ELEANORA: Now bear this in mind, that one person can
see what another cannot, therefore be not so certain of your
eyes. I was going to speak of the flower on the table: It is
an Easter lily which belongs in Switzerland, and has a chalice
that has absorbed sunshine; therefore it is yellow, and soothes
suffering. As I came along, I saw it in a florist's window and
wanted to present it to brother Elis. When I was about to enter
the shop, I found the door locked--it is evidently Confirmation
Day to-day. As I had to have the flower, I took out my keys and
tried them. Fancy! My door-key fit -- I walked in. Do you understand
the silent language of flowers? Each fragrance expresses many,
many thoughts; these thoughts assailed me, and, with my magnified
eye, I looked into their workshops, which no one has seen, and
they spoke to me of their sorrows brought upon them by the stupid
gardener -- I do not say cruel, for he is only thoughtless. Then
I laid a krona, with my card, upon the counter, took the flower
and walked out.
MORE
MONOLOGUES BY AUGUST STRINDBERG |
