Monologue Analysis: Lungs by Duncan Macmillan
Character Context
Character: W
Age: Not explicitly specified; likely late 20s to early 30s
Speaking to: M, her partner
Synopsis
In Duncan Macmillan's play Lungs, a couple, referred to as W and M, navigate the complexities of modern relationships, environmental concerns, and the prospect of parenthood. This monologue captures W's internal turmoil and external expression following a miscarriage, as she grapples with societal expectations, personal grief, and the future of her relationship with M.
Original Text
It’s for the best probably isn’t it? Would have completely taken over our lives. So much time and money, so much that could go wrong. End up sleepless with worry or with our heads in the sand.
The world. Who’d want to have a child now? We should be happy. This is a relief it is it is it is we should be relieved we should take a deep breath and give a huge sigh of thank fuck for that because we’re not going to add to any of it, we’re not going to add yet one more lost person into this crowded little world so good for us. Let’s go on holiday. Let’s fly somewhere. Let’s spend our money on us before the global economy completely implodes. When the riots start let’s join in. Let’s smash something. Start some fires. If we see an electric car with a baby on board sticker let’s ram it off the road the fucking hypocrites. The damage they’re doing. It’s a relief for you I suppose. Sorry.
Should we stay together do you think? Or should we… I don’t know. Not. I’m not saying this because I want to break up. I don’t know what I want. I just think it would be… I think it’s a good opportunity for us to you know, talk. Have a conversation. Ask ourselves some serious, you know, difficult –
You know what I’m saying please fucking help me out here.
We should take some time and really think about this because right now I don’t want to look at you. I need you to just fucking put your arms around me but you’re not and… don’t, please, not now, not because I’m telling you to, I don’t want that.
Suggested New Thoughts Chunking / Paragraphing
It’s for the best probably isn’t it? Would have completely taken over our lives. So much time and money, so much that could go wrong. End up sleepless with worry or with our heads in the sand.
W rationalizes the miscarriage, attempting to find solace in the potential challenges avoided.
The world. Who’d want to have a child now? We should be happy. This is a relief it is it is it is we should be relieved we should take a deep breath and give a huge sigh of thank fuck for that because we’re not going to add to any of it, we’re not going to add yet one more lost person into this crowded little world so good for us. Let’s go on holiday. Let’s fly somewhere. Let’s spend our money on us before the global economy completely implodes. When the riots start let’s join in. Let’s smash something. Start some fires. If we see an electric car with a baby on board sticker let’s ram it off the road the fucking hypocrites. The damage they’re doing. It’s a relief for you I suppose. Sorry.
She spirals into a critique of societal issues, expressing cynicism and frustration, possibly projecting her inner turmoil (you might want to break this chunk up into smaller thoughts).
Should we stay together do you think? Or should we… I don’t know. Not. I’m not saying this because I want to break up. I don’t know what I want. I just think it would be… I think it’s a good opportunity for us to you know, talk. Have a conversation. Ask ourselves some serious, you know, difficult –
W questions the future of their relationship, indicating uncertainty and a desire for open communication.
You know what I’m saying please fucking help me out here.
She pleads for support and understanding from M, revealing her vulnerability.
We should take some time and really think about this because right now I don’t want to look at you. I need you to just fucking put your arms around me but you’re not and… don’t, please, not now, not because I’m telling you to, I don’t want that.
W expresses conflicting emotions, desiring comfort yet resisting it when prompted, highlighting her inner conflict.
Journey Keypoints
Hook: W begins by rationalizing the miscarriage, suggesting it's for the best.
Turning Point: She delves into societal critiques, projecting her frustrations.
Climax: W questions the stability of their relationship, seeking clarity.
Resolution: She expresses a need for comfort but struggles with accepting it, showcasing her emotional turmoil.
About the Playwright: Duncan Macmillan
Duncan Macmillan is a British playwright known for his works that explore contemporary issues with depth and sensitivity. Lungs examines the anxieties of modern life, environmental concerns, and the complexities of relationships. Macmillan's writing often challenges audiences to reflect on personal and societal dilemmas, making his works both thought-provoking and resonant.
