Acting Memorization > Uncle Van > Flashcards

Uncle Van Flashcards

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1
Q

but he seems perfectly fine now

A

Last night he was complaining of pains in his legs. But yes, he is well now.

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2
Q

The temperature of the samovar has decreased dramatically.

A

That’s ok, Ivan Ivanovich. We can drink it cold.

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3
Q

. I’ll be quiet now.

A

What a lovely day. There’s a cool breeze today

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4
Q

the forester is so old and sickly that I usually supervise everything myself.

A

Yes, everyone says you have a great love for the forests. And I’m sure that work is much appreciated, but doesn’t it distract you from your real calling? You’re a doctor, after all.

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5
Q

My real calling? Only God knows what we’re set on this earth for.

A

And the forests are interesting?

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6
Q

So very fascinating!

A

You’re very young, no more than thirty-six or thirty-seven. It can’t be as interesting as you’re saying. Just . . . trees? Sounds boring.

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7
Q

Sooner than a month this time, I hope?

A

Ivan Petrovich, you have been misbehaving again. Why must you annoy Maria Vasilyevna by insulting my husband’s career? And you argued with Alexander again today at lunch. How petty!

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8
Q

Even if I hate him?

A

Why hate Alexander? He’s no different than anyone else. He’s certainly not worse than you.

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9
Q

You should watch yourself sometime, the way you move. You are too lethargic to live!

A

“Too lethargic to live”? You think I’m lazy, bored perhaps? People belittle my husband, and they pity me for marrying him. “Oh, that poor woman with the old husband”! But I understand them. It’s like what Astrov was saying about the forests, that you will continue to destroy them until nothing is left. It’s also true of the way you destroy people. Soon there will be no loyalty, no purity, no impulse for noble self-sacrifice left in this world. Why can’t you look at a woman with indifference unless you already own her? The doctor was right. Every man is an engine of destruction. You annihilate the forests, the animals, the women, and even each other.

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10
Q

I am not a fan of this philosophy.

A

The doctor has an intriguing face: tired, anxious. Clearly, Sonya is attracted to him. She loves him. I understand it. He’s made three visits to our estate since I moved here. I’m bashful though, so I haven’t really talked to him. He probably thinks I’m stuck up. What do you think, Ivan Petrovich? Is it possible that the reason we have such a strong friendship is that we’re both so annoyingly dull? Don’t stare at me like that. You know I hate it when you look at me that way.

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11
Q

breathe the same air, bask in your beauty, listen to your enchanting voice

A

Be quiet! What if they hear you!

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12
Q

It will make me so happy

A

God, this is torture!

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13
Q

Who’s there? Sonya, is that you?

A

No, it’s me.

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14
Q

. I’m in terrible pain!

A

Your lap blanket has fallen off. I’ll shut the window.

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15
Q

It’s not the gout this time; it’s the arthritis. What time is it?

A

Twenty past midnight

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16
Q

. Why is it so hard to breathe?

A

You’re just tired. You haven’t slept much the last two nights.

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17
Q

By this point, all of you probably find me repulsive.

A

You make it sound like our faults that you’ve grown old.

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18
Q

Have patience, though. I’ll release you from this burden soon enough.

A

This is exhausting. Please be quiet.

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19
Q

here happy and living it up.

A

Enough already! This is so tiresome. I’m sick of it.

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20
Q

Yes, everyone’s sick of me.

A

I can’t stand this! What do you want from me?

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21
Q

Nothing.

A

Then will you please be quiet?

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22
Q

Don’t I have a right to a peaceful retirement and a little respect?

A

No one is challenging your rights.
The wind is picking up. It’s going to rain. I’d better shut the window.
No one questions your rights.

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23
Q

Especially if they won’t at least afford me the respect and benefits of my old age.

A

Be patient. In a few years I’ll be old too.

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24
Q

What time is it now?

A

Almost one

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25
And so silly!
That man has exhausted me. I can barely move
26
It’s been three nights since I’ve been able to sleep.
It’s like there’s a curse on this house. No one can be happy. Your mother can’t be satisfied except by the Professor and her pamphlets. The professor is a grouch. He’s suspicious of me and afraid of you.
27
Of me?
Isn’t it obvious? Sonya is always angry at everyone: her father, me—do you know it’s been two weeks since she’s spoken a word to me? And then there’s you. You hate my husband and are openly disrespectful to your mother. Myself? I’m always anxious and it seems like I’m on the verge of crying at least once every hour. It’s like there’s a curse on this house.
28
Enough philosophy!
Ivan Petrovich, you’re educated, intelligent, and therefore should be able to see that the destruction of the world is not the result of war, crime, fire, or floods, but by petty arguments and hatred. You should devote yourself to uniting people and solving differences, rather than complaining about everything and fussing at your family members.
29
Help me find myself, my darling, my everything
Stop that! Leave me alone.
30
So it keeps building within me, eating me from the inside out, destroying me.
What am I supposed to say? I feel nothing when you speak this way. Your love is tiresome. It brings me nothing but anxiety. Good night.
31
The only reason you stay with him is your pride and principle, do you understand?
My god, Ivan Petrovich, you’re drunk!
32
Possibly . . . Anything is possible.
Where's the doctor right now?
33
In my room. He’s sleeping here tonight.
Why have you been drinking tonight?
34
Because it’s living. It’s more like life than the other parts of my existence.
You never drank before, and you talked much less. Go to bed. You’re boring me.
35
My life! Please
Stop it already! You nauseate me.
36
So plain
The storm has passed. The outside air is fresh and peaceful. Where’s the doctor?
37
Gone!
Sophie! How long are you going to carry this anger towards me? We haven’t done anything to each other to warrant this. Let’s be friends.
38
I won’t be rude with you anymore.
Good!
39
Is Papa in bed?
No, he’s awake in the drawing room. How do we go weeks at a time without speaking? Makes no sense. What's this?
40
Mikhail Lvovich had a snack.
Look, some wine. Let’s drink together. To sisterhood.
41
Yes!
We’ll drink from the same glass. Friends?
42
I wanted to reconcile with you for so long. But I guess I was ashamed.
Why are you crying?
43
It’s nothing.
Oh, you silly girl. It’s ok. Now I’m crying too! (pause) You thought that I married your father for the money. That’s why you’ve treated me this way. I understand it. I swear though: it was for love. I was attracted to his intelligence and fame. It wasn’t real love, of course, more infatuation, but I believed it was real. So you see, even though you’ve judged me with your eyes ever since the wedding day, my intentions were honest.
44
Hush. That’s over now. Let’s just forget it.
People shouldn’t look at one another that way. It’s so hostile. It makes it impossible to live in peace.
45
Tell me about him!
What do you want to know?
45
May I ask you something, as a friend? Are you happy?
No.
46
I thought so. Another question. Now, be honest. Wouldn’t you have rather married a young husband?
You naïve girl. I’m only a few years older than you, but you are still like a child in many ways. Of course I would have preferred a younger husband. Ok, ask me something else.
47
Do you like the doctor?
Yes. Very much.
48
He saves the forests
Yes, of course, but it’s so much more than that. Can’t you see that it’s not about the things that he does, but the genius of his mind? He doesn’t just plant a tree; he sees what that tree will become, what it will contribute to the forest over its lifetime, and how it will benefit all of humanity. People like him rarely come along, and when they do, we must love them. Ok, so he drinks. And he can be crude sometimes. But isn’t that just the man in him? Or perhaps it’s his Russian blood showing through. Think of how difficult his life is, travelling almost every day over muddy roads, through freezing blizzards, with all of the miles and the unthankful, uneducated people. He’s always staring poverty and disease right in the face. How would a man like him be able to toil every day like this, with so many obstacles and so much ugliness, and still keep himself sober and refined?
49
Keep himself sober and refined
(pause) In contrast, I am a boring, insignificant person. There’s no spark of genius in me, in my piano playing, or the way I run my husband’s household, or in my romantic history. I’ve always been insignificant. When you look at it in this light, I am in fact extremely unhappy. There’s no hope of happiness for me in this world. What’s so funny?
50
It’s just that I am so happy!
I want to play the piano!
51
Play something!
Not right now. Your father’s still awake. Music annoys him when he’s not feeling well. I guess you could ask him. If he says it’s ok, I’ll play.
52
Ok.
I haven’t played in a long time. I miss it. I want to play and cry, cry like a schoolgirl.
53
knock knock
Is that you, Yefim?
54
Yes, it’s me.
Please stop tapping. The professor is ill.
55
I wonder what sort of world-altering revelation the honored scholar wishes to bestow upon us
Probably just business.
56
Her walk conveys the listless sway of idleness.
Don’t you ever get tired of running your mouth? You talk all day, it’s always the same abrasive nonsense, and we’re all sick of it! But yes, I’m bored. It’s misery. There’s nothing to do here!
57
There’s lots to do if you really wanted to . . . .
Like what?
58
I used to go to the market and sell the flour ourselves.
I don’t know how to do those kinds of things. And they sound just as boring to me as doing nothing. The only kind of people who teach and nurse the peasants live in novels, not the real world.
59
for “she is beyond our meager world!”
Stop it! Don’t you realize how cruel you’re being?
60
I went too far.
I don’t have the patience to put up with you. Even an angel would lose their temper.
61
Beautiful, melancholy autumn roses
I can’t believe it’s September already. The winter here must be so dreary. How will we survive it? (pause) Where’s the doctor?
62
I have this opportunity to speak with you privately
About what?
63
About what
Oh, it’s ok. It can’t be that awful. Enough of this now.
64
I’m not attractive.
You have gorgeous hair.
65
! I can’t think of a single person that doesn’t know!
Does he know?
66
No. He doesn’t even see me.
He’s an odd one. I’ll tell you what. I’ll speak with him and get a definite answer. Don’t worry, I’ll be tactful. You shouldn’t have to go one like this, not even knowing.
67
Elena nods yes
It will be easier for you because you won’t have to see him. I talk to him as soon as possible. He had planned on showing me some charts of his forests. Go find him and tell him that I want to see him.
68
No matter what he says, you’ll tell me the truth?
Of course, my dear. No matter what he says, the truth will be better than this . . . tortuous ambiguity.
69
at least I would still have hope
What was that?
70
(SONYA exits)
It’s terrible knowing someone’s secret without being able to help them. Obviously he’s not “in love” with her. But he’s been on his own too long; marriage will be good for him. Sure, she’s not beautiful. But in his situation, at his age, as a country doctor? She would make the best kind of wife for him. She’s so smart with such a kind, pure heart . . . oh, that poor girl. I know exactly how she feels. Living here among people who are bored all the time, who rarely seem happy or optimistic, people who are just lifeless ghosts floating from one room to the next, engaging only in small talk, he would seem above the rest: more handsome, captivating, like a bright moon shining high above the dark shadows of the rest of us. Such a man is so charming . . . to give in to him . . . to lose yourself in him . . . Ha! I guess I’m a bit in his power as well. Yes, I’m not as bored when he’s around. Just thinking about him makes me smile. Uncle Vanya said that I have mermaid’s blood in me. “Stop stifling yourself and experience the joys of life.” Well, what if I did? What if I spread my wings like a bird and fly away from all of you boring, miserable people. It wouldn’t take me long to forget them and their endless talking. But no, I don’t have the courage. And I would be tortured by guilt. The doctor visits this house every day. I think I know why. And I already feel guilty. I want to fall at Sonya’s feet, crying, and beg her forgiveness . . . .
71
Good morning! I’ve brought one of my charts. You were asking about them?
Yes, you promised to show them to me yesterday. Do you have time?
72
Where were you born?
St. Petersburg.
73
And where was your education?
The Conservatory there.
74
Oh, well, I doubt that you’ll find this very interesting.
How can you be so sure? I admit that I’m still getting used to living in the country, but I’ve done a lot of reading.
75
You’re not the least interested in what I’m saying. Your expression gives yourself away.
I really don’t understand very much of it.
76
There isn’t anything to understand. It’s just not interesting
Frankly, I was thinking about something else. I’m sorry. What I really want to do is interrogate you. But I’m a little anxious. It’s embarrassing.
77
Interrogate me?
Yes, interrogate, or interview, it’s nothing to be worried about. Some harmless, but personal, questions. Maybe we should sit. Now, let’s just be as direct as possible, honesty between friends. And when it’s all over, let’s just forget we ever spoke on the subject. Understood?
78
Understood.
This is about Sonya, my stepdaughter. How would you describe your feelings towards her?
79
I have a lot of respect for her.
And what if I asked you to describe your feelings for her as a woman?
80
I have no feelings of that nature.
Just a couple more questions, and we’ll put an end to this. Have you noticed anything in the way she behaves towards you?
81
No.
You don’t love Sonya. I read it in your face. She suffers. You should know that . . . and you should stop visiting the house.
82
I don’t have the time for visits anyway.
Well! That was awkward. I’m a little shaken by it. I took on a huge responsibility. Thank God it’s all over now. Now remember, we promised to forget about it. This “interrogation” never took place. You should go now. You’re intelligent and sophisticated, so you understand. (pause) I feel like every inch of my body is blushing
83
Oh, you’re clever.
What are you insinuating? I don’t understand.
84
And now you’re eying me like a hawk.
A hawk? I haven’t the least idea what you mean.
85
I’m powerless to your charms.
Have you gone completely nuts?
86
You don’t have to pretend to be shy.
You must think I’m depraved! No, I have a sense of morality, of responsibility. I’m not the sinful person you seem to think
87
Just one kiss here, now?
Stop it! I swear
88
Oh, what beautiful hands you have.
Enough! Get control of yourself! Now go!
89
We have to meet again soon.
Please pity me. Just leave.
90
Promise me that you will be there?
No! Let go of me! This is horrible!
91
the weather doesn’t affect that.
Please try to convince my husband that we leave here today. It will be best for everyone. Do everything in your power to convince him. Today! Understand?
92
I swear it all, Helena. Everything.
Do you understand me? Today! I cannot spend another night in this house!
93
Get Maria Vasilyevna and Elena Andreyevna in here right away.
I’m here.
94
What did he say?
Later
95
I’m leaving!
Stop talking, Ivan Petrovich! Not another word! I insist! Do you hear me?
96
I don’t want it anyway.
That’s it! I have to get out of this hell! I can’t take this!
97
But I refuse to live in the same house with him.
Don’t worry. We’re leaving today. Please begin making the travel arrangements.
98
Please show us mercy!
Alexander, be the bigger man. Go find him and make things right.
99
Ok, I’ll go.
Speak gently. Try to soothe him.
100
Someone grab him!
Give me the gun! Give it to me! Stop this nonsense!
101
Damn!
Get me out of here. Or kill me. I just can’t stay here any longer.
102
Finally, I can go home.
Ivan Petrovich, we’re leaving. Please go see Alexander. He wants to tell you something.
103
It’s the only way.
I’m leaving now. Goodbye.
103
Already?
Yes. They’re waiting for me.
104
Well then. Goodbye.
You told me you were leaving today.
105
You seem afraid.
Yes.
106
Stay here then. Meet me tomorrow at my garden gate
No. It’s too late to change the plans. That’s the only reason I feel comfortable alone with you now. We’re leaving. Just promise me that you won’t remember me this way. I’m not a bad person. I hope that you can find a way to respect me.
107
In the setting of forests, orchards, and run-down country houses straight out of Turgenev?
You’re ridiculous. Your persistence angers me. But . . . I will have fond memories of you. You’re fascinating. I’ve never met anyone more original. I tell you this now because we will never meet again. You succeeded in tempting me to lose myself a little. But that’s over. Let’s part as friends, with a handshake. Please remember me respectfully.
108
Well. So that’s that.
I wish the best for you in everything you do. So that’s that. For just once . . . in my life . . . I . . . I need to go.
108
Finita la commedia!
This is mine now. A pencil as a keepsake of your friendship.
109
Yes. Go immediately. After all, they’re waiting for you.
I hear someone coming.
110
Goodbye. I’m sorry for . . . . We’ll never see one another again.
Farewell, my dear.
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