Sorry there isn't much of a format here. This is Mgbafo speaking to her husband Uzowulu, two seasons after the trial.
I wish you would speak to me. If not for my sake, then do it for the children. They love you as their father, despite what they’ve seen you do. They confide in me their respect for you. And I respect you. I love you as my husband.
Oh, do not look at me that way. I did not leave you two seasons ago when you asked me to say. You may have been confident that I would choose you, but my heart was in dilemma. This whole union has been an effort on my behalf, but I expected that you would start to work as well. I believed your pleads, Uzowulu. Despite everything you did, I placed my trust in you. Please tell me I did the right thing. Please, convince me I made the correct choice.
These marks have been fading for many moons. I never forget what caused them, no matter how many I have to keep track of. For example, where was it…. Somewhere here are scars from when I was ill. You were upset at me for bringing your supper late. And these here… they are yet fresh. But I am waiting for the pain to dull and disappear. Just as I will wait in vain for you to fulfill your promise.
Still… why, Uzowulu? Why did you stand before the egwuwu? Why did you give my brothers wine? Why did you stand before me and beg me to stay? For even now, if not for the children I would run. I would flee from this iron cage and from the wretched devil that you-
No! Stop! Please! Forgive me! I have outspoken and forgotten my place. I am confused and speaking nonsense! You are tired! You do not want to hear of this matter...... And indeed, you work hard to earn the respect among Umuofia. Do not give this a second thought. I will speak to the children on your behalf. They are, after all, very concerned for you. And after that I will prepare your supper. If it is illness that is affecting you, please rest. I will come back shortly. I always do.
I loved your monologue Kaitlin, it was really well written. You gave a powerful insight to the world of Mgbafo, and your performance was outstanding! I really enjoyed watching you act it out. It almost brought a tear to my eye!
ReplyDeleteWell done as always! :)
Amazing job Kaitlin! (:
ReplyDeleteI love how you were able to spin such a convincing monologue out of so little information as Mgbafo only shows up briefly in the novel. And like Hannah said, your acting left me speechless!
I regret going on the field trip and missing your monologue Kaitlin! I'm sure it was more amazing than I thought it would be :) Just by reading your post, I can tell you did really well! I like how you interpreted that Mgbafo would still stay with Uzowulu and how she would still get beaten. Very nicely done :3
ReplyDeleteI can't stress enough on how much I loved your monologue! It was so well put together, your tone, your actions, the conversations you created. You really incorporated a side that really highlights Mgbafo's characteristics in this novel. Well done Kaitlin!
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ReplyDeleteI really like how you put a lot of details from the novel in to your monologue. Your monologue reflects the role of women in the Igbo society. They are seen as weaker and of less importance than men. Your character also stretches the boundaries of the role of women by asking questions and hinting that she feel that her husband has not treated her fairly. But in the last paragraph, those boundaries have been reinforced and Mgbafo is forced into silence. I really liked how you put in responses to Uzowulu even though he was not part of the performance. Additionally, the last sentence of your monologue is thought provoking. Why, after all the complaints and questions, does Mgbafo return to her husband? Why does she always do so? I believe this further inforces the theme of women's status in Igbo society. Women do what they must not what they prefer.
Your performance and acting was amazing! I like how you started sitting down and as the monologue got more dramatic and intense you stood up and walked around. The accent really made the whole monologue authentic and enjoyable.
So once again, great performance and great monologue!
Kaitlin, your monologue was very well written and I really enjoyed watching your performance! You completely caught my attention the moment you started acting. I really can't emphasize this enough. I love how you made a full commitment in portraying your character. Not only did I learn a lot from you about Mgbafo's life but about Igbo women in general. Lastly, I really have to say this: the last two sentences in your monologue are really powerful...or maybe it was just the way you said it but the feeling I got after you said those lines really made me want to shed tears! Really, bravo on your acting skills Kaitlin!
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