Monologue Analysis: Bull by Mike Bartlett
Character Context
Character: Isobel
Age: Not explicitly specified; likely late 20s to early 30s
Speaking to: Thomas, a colleague
Synopsis
In Mike Bartlett's play Bull, Isobel, along with her colleague Tony, engages in psychological manipulation to undermine their co-worker, Thomas, as they await a meeting where one of them will be dismissed. In this monologue, Isobel exploits personal information about Thomas's family to intensify his anxiety and insecurity, showcasing her ruthless and calculating nature.
Original Text
No Thomas I feel really sorry. I do. I promise. I do. I’m feeling sorrow. Right now. You have a kid don’t you? You do. I know you do. So you don’t need to hide it. You have a kid. Yeah. Tough. What’s its name? Is it Harry? It is Harry. I know it is. You know how I know this?
It’s because once when we left work, I was walking behind you and you walked all the way down the road, and I saw you meet this woman in a coffee shop, and she had a little toddling little thing, and I waited and I saw you go to the loo, and then I ran in and said oh I was hoping to catch you and I pretended I was in a hurry, and I had a little chat with Marion, is that her name your ex and she told me about Harry. That conversation with her gave me quite a lot of crucial information.
I know you have to pay Marion a certain amount every month and when she hears that you’re out of work her low estimation of you will drop even further. It will I promise. She won’t be surprised that’s the really tragic thing for you, she won’t be like oh my God you lost your job! She’ll be like, yeah of course he lost his job fucking retard good thing I got out while I could, better not let him see Harry too much don’t want Harry to grow up in the distorted disabled image of his fucking drip drip of a father.
I expect that’s what she’ll think. It’s tough isn’t it, life. Is it a lot more difficult than you imagined it would be?
Suggested New Thoughts Chunking / Paragraphing
No Thomas I feel really sorry. I do. I promise. I do. I’m feeling sorrow. Right now. You have a kid don’t you? You do. I know you do. So you don’t need to hide it. You have a kid. Yeah. Tough. What’s its name? Is it Harry? It is Harry. I know it is. You know how I know this?
Isobel feigns sympathy while revealing her knowledge about Thomas's child, establishing her manipulative approach.
It’s because once when we left work, I was walking behind you and you walked all the way down the road, and I saw you meet this woman in a coffee shop, and she had a little toddling little thing, and I waited and I saw you go to the loo, and then I ran in and said oh I was hoping to catch you and I pretended I was in a hurry, and I had a little chat with Marion, is that her name your ex and she told me about Harry. That conversation with her gave me quite a lot of crucial information.
She recounts how she gathered personal details about Thomas's family, highlighting her intrusive and calculating behavior.
I know you have to pay Marion a certain amount every month and when she hears that you’re out of work her low estimation of you will drop even further. It will I promise. She won’t be surprised that’s the really tragic thing for you, she won’t be like oh my God you lost your job! She’ll be like, yeah of course he lost his job fucking retard good thing I got out while I could, better not let him see Harry too much don’t want Harry to grow up in the distorted disabled image of his fucking drip drip of a father.
Isobel speculates on Marion's potential reaction to Thomas losing his job, using harsh language to undermine his confidence and self-worth.
I expect that’s what she’ll think. It’s tough isn’t it, life. Is it a lot more difficult than you imagined it would be?
She concludes with a condescending remark, reinforcing her dominance and further eroding Thomas's morale.
Journey Keypoints
Hook: Isobel initiates the conversation with feigned sympathy, immediately setting a manipulative tone.
Turning Point: She reveals the extent of her knowledge about Thomas's personal life, showcasing her invasive tactics.
Climax: Isobel delivers a scathing prediction of Marion's reaction, using offensive language to belittle Thomas.
Resolution: She ends with a patronizing comment, solidifying her psychological attack and leaving Thomas demoralized.
About the Playwright: Mike Bartlett
Mike Bartlett is a British playwright renowned for his sharp explorations of power dynamics and human relationships. Bull is a one-act play that delves into workplace bullying and survival, presenting a brutal depiction of corporate ruthlessness. Bartlett's works often challenge audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about societal structures and personal interactions.
