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.

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