Monologue Analysis: The Ritual Slaughter of Gorge Mastromas by Dennis Kelly
Character Context
Character: Unnamed Businesswoman
Age: Not explicitly specified; likely mid-30s to 50s
Speaking to: Gorge Mastromas, a company staff member
Synopsis
In Dennis Kelly's play The Ritual Slaughter of Gorge Mastromas, a pivotal scene unfolds where a businesswoman confronts Gorge Mastromas during a critical company meeting. She presents him with a moral dilemma, challenging his perceptions of existence and tempting him to betray his company's chairman for personal gain. This encounter serves as a catalyst for Gorge's transformation from innocence to ruthless ambition.
Original Text
Now I’m going to make this quite quick as I only have two minutes and twenty-three seconds left. Existence is not what you have up until this moment thought it is. It is not fair, it is not kind, it is not just – the majority of the universe is in fact so cold that it would freeze the water in your eyes in an instant.
Most of the world are ignorant of this, they believe in god, or daddy or Marx or the unseen hand of the market or honesty or goodness. They swim through life, eyes closed, taking it on the chin and getting fucked. He’s like that. You’re like that. But a tiny, tiny handful of us know the real nature of life. And to those people is given the world.
They are rich and powerful and have everything because they will do anything. The rest of the world will always be meat to them, cattle, animals to be herded and sometimes hunted.
He is going to come back in here. And he’ll ask your opinion. Because he is so scared and weak, like a cow smelling the deaths of other cows at the slaughterhouse. Say ‘yes, sell’ and you can be one of us.
You can see what this offer is, can’t you? I hope you can.
Do what you have to do. But remember, I stop time, I see into the future, I have super powers. And this opportunity will never cross your path, ever again. He’s coming back in…five…four…three…two…one… Now.
Beat. Nothing happens. She smiles.
Would’ve been great if he had, though, wouldn’t it?
Suggested New Thoughts Chunking / Paragraphing
Now I’m going to make this quite quick as I only have two minutes and twenty-three seconds left. Existence is not what you have up until this moment thought it is. It is not fair, it is not kind, it is not just – the majority of the universe is in fact so cold that it would freeze the water in your eyes in an instant.
The businesswoman begins by challenging Gorge's understanding of existence, emphasizing its harsh realities.
Most of the world are ignorant of this, they believe in god, or daddy or Marx or the unseen hand of the market or honesty or goodness. They swim through life, eyes closed, taking it on the chin and getting fucked. He’s like that. You’re like that. But a tiny, tiny handful of us know the real nature of life. And to those people is given the world.
She critiques societal beliefs and highlights the ignorance of the masses, contrasting them with the enlightened few who understand life's true nature.
They are rich and powerful and have everything because they will do anything. The rest of the world will always be meat to them, cattle, animals to be herded and sometimes hunted.
The businesswoman describes the ruthless elite who exploit others to maintain their power.
He is going to come back in here. And he’ll ask your opinion. Because he is so scared and weak, like a cow smelling the deaths of other cows at the slaughterhouse. Say ‘yes, sell’ and you can be one of us.
She predicts the chairman's return and urges Gorge to seize the opportunity to join the powerful by agreeing to the sale.
You can see what this offer is, can’t you? I hope you can.
The businesswoman emphasizes the significance of her proposition, hoping Gorge comprehends its magnitude.
Do what you have to do. But remember, I stop time, I see into the future, I have super powers. And this opportunity will never cross your path, ever again. He’s coming back in…five…four…three…two…one… Now.
She asserts her influence and warns that such an opportunity is rare, counting down to the chairman's anticipated return.
Beat. Nothing happens. She smiles.
The anticlimactic moment underscores her manipulative tactics.
Would’ve been great if he had, though, wouldn’t it?
She concludes with a sardonic remark, highlighting the psychological game she's playing.
Journey Keypoints
Hook: The businesswoman confronts Gorge, challenging his perceptions of existence.
Turning Point: She reveals the ruthlessness required to attain power, tempting Gorge to betray his principles.
Climax: The countdown to the chairman's return heightens the tension, pressing Gorge to make a swift decision.
Resolution: The anticlimactic pause and her concluding remark emphasize the manipulative nature of her proposition.
About the Playwright: Dennis Kelly
Dennis Kelly is a British playwright renowned for his versatile and provocative works. The Ritual Slaughter of Gorge Mastromas marks his Royal Court Theatre debut, exploring themes of greed, morality, and the corrupting influence of power. Kelly's repertoire includes the acclaimed musical Matilda and the television series Utopia, showcasing his ability to traverse diverse genres while delving into complex human behaviors.
