Drama Quote by Eugene O'Neill
““LARRY--(with increasing bitter intensity, more as if he were fighting with himself than with Hickey) I'm afraid to live, am I?--and even more afraid to die! So I sit here, with my pride drowned on the bottom of a bottle, keeping drunk so I won't see myself shaking in my britches with fright, or hear myself whining and praying: Beloved Christ, let me live a little longer at any price! If it's only for a few days more, or a few hours even, have mercy, Almighty God, and let me still clutch greedily to my yellow heart this sweet treasure, this jewel beyond price, the dirty, stinking bit of withered old flesh which is my beautiful little life! (He laughs with a sneering, vindictive self-loathing, staring inward at himself with contempt and hatred. Then abruptly he makes Hickey again the antagonist.) You think you'll make me admit that to myself?””
About This Quote
A character wrestles with existential dread, fearing both life and death, using alcohol to numb self‑confrontation and clinging to a fragile sense of purpose.
In simple terms: Fear of living and dying drives self‑destruction and desperate yearning for meaning.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and face fear instead of numbing it.
Themes
existential dread
self‑destruction
addiction
identity crisis
spiritual longing
Mood
despair
intense
contemplative
Type
dramatic
psychological
existential
When to use this quote
- theatre performance
- personal crisis
- psychological breakdown
- introspective monologue
Key Concepts
nihilism
self‑loathing
coping mechanisms
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the character truly fear about living?
- How can one find purpose without self‑destruction?
A Different Perspective
The monologue may romanticize suffering, overlooking practical paths to healing.
![“[excerpt] The usual I say. Essence. Spirit. Medicine. A taste. I say top shelf. Straight up. A shot. A sip. A nip. I say another round. I say brace yourself. Lift a few. Hoist a few. Work the elbow. Bottoms up. Belly up. Set ‘em up. What’ll it be. Name your poison. I say same again. I say all…” quote by Nick Flynn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/244/nick-flynn-8678_breakfast-of-champio_excerpt-the-usual-i-say-essence-spirit-m_465146.jpg)
![“I kind of pride myself on coming onto things that are well-oiled machines and finding a way to bring what I bring and fit in, and raise it to another level if I can. And this [Code Black ] has been another one of those really fun success stories, much like Parks And Recreation, although obviously…” quote by Rob Lowe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ea3/rob-lowe-855_black_i-kind-of-pride-myself-on-coming-onto-th_6557.jpg)