Dr. Thorne monologue (Act 1) — Within the Gates

(_without noticing the anthem_) I will not bear it. No--no. I _will_ not! I _will_ go to her! (_Starts to rush up the street, whose familiar precincts he seems for the first time to recognize._) Why, there is my own house! She can’t be two rods away. I wonder if a dead man can get into his own home? _Helen?_ (_His feet lag heavily; he moves like one who is wading in water. He makes the motions of one who withstands a strong blast or an invisible force. He is beaten back. Suddenly he raves._) You are playing with me! You torture a miserable man. Who and what are you? Show me what I have to fight, and let me wrestle for my liberty! Though I am a ghost, let me wrestle like a man! Let me to my wife! Give way and let me seek her! (_Slowly recedes, as if beaten back; bows his head. The man sobs._)