In Delaney’s world, to speak a monologue is to declare: I am still here. And that, in a society that would rather look away, is an act of revolution.
Often focuses on her loneliness or her budding relationship with the Boy (Jimmy). These monologues are best if you want to showcase youthful defiance masked by insecurity. Jo (Act 2): a taste of honey monologue
"A Taste of Honey" is set in post-war England, in a working-class community. The play revolves around Jo, a young working-class woman who becomes pregnant after a brief relationship with a black sailor. Jo lives with her mother, Helen, who is struggling with her own marital issues and escapism through fantasies and alcohol. In Delaney’s world, to speak a monologue is
He said he’d send for me. “When I get a berth, Jo. When I get some money.” And I believed him. For about ten seconds. That’s the trick, isn’t it? You only need to believe for ten seconds. Then you can spend the rest of your life pretending you didn’t know it was a lie. These monologues are best if you want to
Later, when Jo is pregnant and abandoned by Jimmie, her monologue takes on a bitter, ironic edge. She fantasizes about the future:
Helen complains about the modern state of the cinema, describing it as "mauling and muttering" and not worth listening to. She eventually shifts to critiquing Jo’s appearance, wondering if she could turn her into a "mountain of voluptuous temptation". Jo’s Affection for Jimmie: