Robert monologue (Act 3) — Beyond the Horizon

(_thoughtfully_) I’ve been wondering what the great change was in you. (_After a pause_) You--a farmer--to gamble in a wheat pit with scraps of paper. There’s a spiritual significance in that picture, Andy. (_He smiles bitterly_) I’m a failure, and Ruth’s another--but we can both justly lay some of the blame for our stumbling on God. But you’re the deepest-dyed failure of the three, Andy. You’ve spent eight years running away from yourself. Do you see what I mean? You used to be a creator when you loved the farm. You and life were in harmonious partnership. And now---- (_He stops as if seeking vainly for words_) My brain is muddled. But part of what I mean is that your gambling with the thing you used to love to create proves how far astray---- So you’ll be punished. You’ll have to suffer to win back---- (_His voice grows weaker and he sighs wearily_) It’s no use. I can’t say it. (_He lies back and closes his eyes, breathing pantingly_).