Monologue Analysis: Don Juan in Soho by Patrick Marber
Character Context
Character: DJ (Don Juan)
Age: Not explicitly specified; likely in his 30s
Speaking to: A woman he has seduced
Synopsis
In this monologue from Don Juan in Soho, DJ, a modern adaptation of the classic libertine, candidly expresses his disdain for societal hypocrisy and superficiality. He refuses to feign love, choosing instead to confront the pervasive dishonesty he observes in various institutions and individuals. DJ's speech critiques the self-centeredness and moral decay of contemporary society, highlighting his own unapologetic hedonism and detachment.
Original Text
I won’t pretend to love you when I don’t. The honesty is a compliment. You’re the only person I don’t lie to. Would you prefer me to be a hypocrite? It’s easily done and terribly vogue – look around us; hypocrisy is both vice and virtue – it doesn’t even shock us.
The bankers rob banks, the police are criminals and governments don’t govern. Billionaire tax dodgers, pension fund plunderers, priests who prey (with an ‘e’).
It’s everywhere! Global poverty, insane famine, a planet burning itself to hell. And the people? Corrupted, broken-hearted, clinging to whatever floats a boat in this ocean of injustice:
Every second sucker with a story to sell – memoirs, confessions, outpourings. Family histories – ooh, my ancestry – here’s a gif of my first little poo. ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME! Follow me! Friend me! Like me! But don’t ever know me.
A million years ago – some hairy bastard daubed a horse on the wall of his cave, he saw it, he drew it – well done! Flash forward: ‘Hello, welcome to my vlog. Today I bought a plum.’ We’ve forgotten how to live.
This is homo sapiens in our natural animal state, existing only in the present moment. A good shag is worth dying for – and if you don’t know what I mean you’ve never had one. So?
Suggested New Thoughts Chunking / Paragraphing
I won’t pretend to love you when I don’t. The honesty is a compliment. You’re the only person I don’t lie to. Would you prefer me to be a hypocrite? It’s easily done and terribly vogue – look around us; hypocrisy is both vice and virtue – it doesn’t even shock us.
DJ asserts his commitment to honesty in personal relationships, contrasting it with societal hypocrisy.
The bankers rob banks, the police are criminals and governments don’t govern. Billionaire tax dodgers, pension fund plunderers, priests who prey (with an ‘e’).
He critiques various institutions, highlighting corruption and moral failings.
It’s everywhere! Global poverty, insane famine, a planet burning itself to hell. And the people? Corrupted, broken-hearted, clinging to whatever floats a boat in this ocean of injustice:
DJ laments widespread societal issues and the populace's desperate attempts to cope.
Every second sucker with a story to sell – memoirs, confessions, outpourings. Family histories – ooh, my ancestry – here’s a gif of my first little poo. ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME! Follow me! Friend me! Like me! But don’t ever know me.
He mocks the narcissism and superficiality prevalent in modern culture, especially on social media.
A million years ago – some hairy bastard daubed a horse on the wall of his cave, he saw it, he drew it – well done! Flash forward: ‘Hello, welcome to my vlog. Today I bought a plum.’ We’ve forgotten how to live.
DJ contrasts genuine human expression with trivial modern content, suggesting a loss of meaningful existence.
This is homo sapiens in our natural animal state, existing only in the present moment. A good shag is worth dying for – and if you don’t know what I mean you’ve never had one. So?
He concludes by justifying his hedonistic lifestyle as a return to natural human instincts.
Journey Keypoints
Hook: DJ declares his refusal to feign love, emphasizing his commitment to honesty.
Turning Point: He broadens his critique to societal hypocrisy and institutional corruption.
Climax: DJ mocks the self-obsession and superficiality of contemporary culture.
Resolution: He justifies his hedonism as embracing humanity's true nature.
About the Playwright: Patrick Marber
Patrick Marber is a British playwright, director, and screenwriter known for works that explore complex human relationships and societal critiques. Don Juan in Soho reimagines Molière's classic character in modern London, delving into themes of hedonism, hypocrisy, and moral ambiguity. Marber's sharp wit and incisive dialogue challenge audiences to reflect on contemporary values and behaviors.
