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| Character | Menaechmus | |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Male | |
| Age Range(s) | Young Adult (20-35), Adult (36-50) | |
| Type of monologue / Character is | Angry, Scolding, Persuasive, Complaining, Frustrated | |
| Type | Dramatic | |
| Period | Ancient Roman | |
| Genre | Drama | |
| Description | Menaechmus scolds his wife | |
| Location | ACT I, Scene 2 | |
Summary
The story is about two identical twins born to a mechant from Syracuse. The two twins are Menaechmus and Sosicles. When the twins were 7 years old the merchant takes Menaechmus on a trip to Epidamus. There the kid gets lost and carried off by a local rich businessman who raises him as his own child. Years later Sosicles, who is now named Menaechmus after his lost brother, travels in hope to return his brother home. One of his stops is Epidamus where his brother lives. After a series of funny mistaken identity cases, the two brothers are reunited.
This monologue is in the second scene of the play. The character is Menaechmus of Epidamus, the lost twin, who is now grown up, married, and has inherited his father's fortune. In this monologue Menaechmus berates his wife for being too shrew and controlling. He storms out of the house promising that she will now have a real reason to be jealous. He tells the audience that he has stolen her mantle and plans to give it to his mistress.
This monologue is in the second scene of the play. The character is Menaechmus of Epidamus, the lost twin, who is now grown up, married, and has inherited his father's fortune. In this monologue Menaechmus berates his wife for being too shrew and controlling. He storms out of the house promising that she will now have a real reason to be jealous. He tells the audience that he has stolen her mantle and plans to give it to his mistress.
Written by Administrator
| Excerpt |
|---|
| MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. [speaking at the door to his WIFE within] . Unless you were worthless, unless you were foolish, unless you were stark wild and an idiot, that which you see is disagreable to your husband, you would deem to be so to yourself as well. Moreover, if after this day you do any such thing to me, I'll force you, a divorced woman, turned out of my doors to go visit your father. For as often as I wish to go out of the house, you are detaining me, calling me back, asking me questions; whither I am going, what matter I am about, what business I am transacting, what I am wanting, what I am bringing, what I have been doing out of doors? I've surely brought home a custom-house officer as my wife; so much am I obliged to disclose all my business, whatever I have done and am doing. I've had you hitherto indulged too much. Now, therefore, I'll tell you how I am about to act. Since I find you handsomely in maids, provisions, wool, gold trinkets, garments, and purple, and you are wanting in nought, you'll beware of a mischief if you're wise; you'll leave off watching your husband. [In a lower voice]. And therefore, that you mayn't be watching me in vain, for your pains I shall find me a mistress to-day, and invite her to dinner somewhere out of doors.......[to himself] . Hurra! I' troth, by my taunts I've driven my wife from the door at last. Where now are your intriguing husbands? Why do they hesitate, all returning thanks, to bring presents to me who have fought so gallantly? This mantle of my wife's [taking it from under his cloak] I've just now stolen from in-doors, and I'm taking it to my mistress. This way it's proper for a clever trick to be played this knowing husband-watcher. This is a becoming action, this is right, this is skilful, this is done in workman-like style; inasmuch as at my own risk I've taken this from my plague, this same shall be carried off to destruction. With the safety of my allies I've gained a booty from the foe. |
