Easter

by August Strindberg

Genre: Drama
Setting: International
Format of Original Source: Play
Recommended Adaptation Length:

Candidate for Adaptation? Not Likely

EXCERPT:

LINDKVIST. [Moving nearer to Elis]. As ye sow, so shall ye reap!

ELIS. It’s not true of evil.

LINDKVIST. It’s true of everything in life. Do you believe me?

ELIS. I must, or else you will torture the life out of me.

LINDKVIST. Not your life–but pride and malice I will squeeze out of you.

ELIS. But to continue–

LINDKVIST. Peter has done you a service, I said.

ELIS. I want no services from him–

LINDKVIST. Are you there again? Then listen! Thro’ your friend Peter’s intervention the Governor was able to protect your mother. Therefore you must write and thank Peter. Promise me that.

ELIS. Any other man in the world–but not him.

LINDKVIST [Nearer to Elis]. Then I must squeeze you again. How much money have you in the bank?

ELIS. What has that got to do with it? I cannot be responsible for my father’s debts!

LINDKVIST. Oh, indeed? Weren’t you among those who ate, and drank, when my children’s money was spent in this house? Answer.

ELIS. I can’t deny it.

LINDKVIST. Well, then, you must sit down immediately and write a check for the balance. You know the sum.

ELIS [As in a dream]. Even that?

LINDKVIST. Yes, even that.–Be good enough to make it out now.

[Elis rises and takes out check-book and pen.]

LINDKVIST. Make it on yourself or an order–

ELIS. Even then it won’t be enough.

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