The following shows my understanding of a monologue. This is my monologue of Linda speaking in “Death of a Salesman.”
This is a monologue because it is an extended and uninterrupted speech, and is directed at another character. This is also a monologue because it reveals a lot about the character, Linda, who is speaking.
This monologue would fit in the current plot when Linda tells her sons about Willy trying to kill himself with gas.
Linda: I am empathetic beyond words, mostly because I care for my husband and my boys so much. I know that Willy is going through such a tough time, and I can only help him with so much. Because of this, I try to go above and beyond for him, like buy him cheese, take his shoes off, and encourage him as much as I can. I treat him like a king because he has worked so hard his whole life and loves me so much. I tend to be quiet, though. I want to speak up, but I feel as if my husband takes me for granted when he cuts me off and does not let me speak. But just because I don’t speak up, does not mean that I do not have thoughts of my own. I know that my dear husband is trying to kill himself, and I am too scared to damage his pride by confronting him about it. My boys are struggling with their relationship with their father, and with their careers. My boys were always so popular, fit, and attractive, but now they lack the confidence that once made them so appealing. With all this conflict in my home, I am left wondering where I went wrong and what I can do to fix it.
Biff: Gee Mom, I did not know you felt that way.
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