Eiffel Tower Keychain by Tara Meddaugh: New dramatic children's monologue
Cruelty continues to be a theme I explore in my work for adults, as well as for children and teens. It’s a theme that will always be examined in many mediums by many people—because, sadly, it happens from cradle to grave—from those with the least power to (quite dangerously) those with the most power.
While my writing often explores cruelty, more importantly, it explores those who experience cruelty and their journey to gain strength. This happens in outwardly large ways and it happens in seemingly small ways. Giving voice to those struggling against oppressors, whether this be from leaders, “frenemies,” manipulating criminals, or schoolyard bullies, is important because these voices are valuable, precious, and inspiring. They are the ones we need to hear.
In my short monologue, Eiffel Tower Keychain, Lindsey gains strength against her classroom bully. Lindsey’s father, who has moved and no longer lives with her, gave her a glass Eiffel Tower keychain, which now a bully has grabbed from her. Lindsey pleads with the taunting bully to give her back the keychain. At first she is meek, then she demands it back with the strength of deserved self-worth. This is a short dramatic monologue, only around 30 seconds in length, appropriate for children or tweens, gender-neutral.
EXCERPT BELOW:
_____________________
LINDSEY
It’s from Paris—please! Don’t drop—it’s glass! Please. Listen—Just—
(pause)
My dad gave it to me. That Eiffel Tower keychain. He…he moved there, to France, last year and I don’t…I don’t see him much now. And…
(pause)
I know you think it’s just a dumb keychain and—END OF EXCERPT
This monologue is free to download above, but if you would like to support the playwright and her craft, you may do so below: