2 Best Ile Monologues – Opening Monologue

Ile (Keeney)

Category: Play Role: Keeney From: Ile

Keeney says

That’s my business, Mr. Slocum. I’ll thank you to steer a clear course o’ that. The ice’ll break up soon to no’th’rd. I could see it startin’ to-day. And when it goes and we git some sun, Annie’ll perk up. It ain’t the damned money what’s keepin’ me up in the Northern seas, Tom. But I can’t go back to Homeport with a measly four hundred barrel of ile. I’d die fust. I ain’t never come back home in all my days without a full ship. Ain’t that truth? And d’ you s’pose any of ’em would believe that–any o’ them skippers I’ve beaten voyage after voyage? Can’t you hear ’em laughin’ and sneerin’–Tibbots ‘n’ Harris ‘n’ Simms and the rest–and all o’ Homeport makin’ fun o’ me? “Dave Keeney what boasts he’s the best whalin’ skipper out o’ Homeport comin’ back with a measly four hundred barrel of ile?” Hell! I got to git the ile, I tell you. How could I figger on this ice? It’s never been so bad before in the thirty year I been a-comin’ here. And now it’s breakin’up. In a couple o’days it’ll be all gone. And they’s whale here, plenty of ’em. I know they is and I ain’t never gone wrong yit. I got to git the ile! I got to git it in spite of all hell, and God, I ain’t a-goin’ home till I do git it!

Ile (Mrs. Keeney)

Category: Play Role: Mrs. Keeney From: Ile

Mrs. Keeney says

I wanted to be with you, David, don’t you see? I didn’t want to wait back there in the house all alone as I’ve been doing these last six years since we were married–waiting, and watching, and fearing–with nothing to keep my mind occupied–not able to go back teaching school on account of being Dave Keeney’s wife. I used to dream of sailing on the great, wide, glorious ocean. I wanted to be your side in the danger and vigorous life of it all. I wanted to see you the hero they make you out to be in Homeport. And instead– all I find is ice–and cold–and brutality! Oh, I know it isn’t your fault, David. You see, I didn’t believe you. I guess I was dreaming about the old Vikings in the story-books and I thought you were one of them. es, you were very kind, David. I know that. I won’t stand it–I can’t stand it–pent up these walls like a prisoner. Take me away from here, David! If I don’t get away from here, out of this terrible ship, I’ll go mad! Take me home, David! I can’t think any more. I feel as if the cold and the silence were crushing down on my brain. I’m afraid. Take me home!