HERBIVORE'S DILEMMA - Monologue

by Tom Erb

CHARACTER NAME: SAM

SETTING: (A typical suburban backyard during a sunny afternoon. There are decorations for a barbecue party, with guests mingling, kids playing in the background, and a large grill smoking with various meats. Sam, our character, is standing somewhat awkwardly by the salad table, holding a plate with a lone veggie burger and a handful of carrot sticks.)

SETUP: (Sam, a dedicated vegan, has...

CHARACTER NAME: SAM

SETTING: (A typical suburban backyard during a sunny afternoon. There are decorations for a barbecue party, with guests mingling, kids playing in the background, and a large grill smoking with various meats. Sam, our character, is standing somewhat awkwardly by the salad table, holding a plate with a lone veggie burger and a handful of carrot sticks.)

SETUP: (Sam, a dedicated vegan, has been invited to their new neighbor's barbecue. Wanting to make a good impression and not be rude, they attend despite knowing the menu will be decidedly non-vegan. The monologue captures Sam's internal monologue as they navigate the social landscape, trying to fend off well-meaning but misinformed comments about their diet while also trying to connect with the new neighbors.)

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HERBIVORE'S DILEMMA - Monologue

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  • Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn: HERBIVORE'S DILEMMA - Monologue by Tom Erb
    “

    It's funny how much of human social interactions revolve around food. And when your diet is slightly different than the rest of the crowd, suddenly you are different as well. Otherwise, why would they make vegetarian food to look like familiar meats? To help you blend in at the barbecue, like poor Sam is trying to do.

    It's funny how much of human social interactions revolve around food. And when your diet is slightly different than the rest of the crowd, suddenly you are different as well. Otherwise, why would they make vegetarian food to look like familiar meats? To help you blend in at the barbecue, like poor Sam is trying to do.

    ”
  • J.S. Puller: HERBIVORE'S DILEMMA - Monologue by Tom Erb
    “

    Oof! Erb packs a lot in a short story. The struggle is real for poor Sam and we all feel it. Vegan, religious minority, queer, anyone who feels like they don't quite fit in at the block party will love the gentle grace with which Sam confronts their situation.

    Oof! Erb packs a lot in a short story. The struggle is real for poor Sam and we all feel it. Vegan, religious minority, queer, anyone who feels like they don't quite fit in at the block party will love the gentle grace with which Sam confronts their situation.

    ”
  • Paul Smith: HERBIVORE'S DILEMMA - Monologue by Tom Erb
    “

    Tom Erb's clever monologue illustrates some of the issues faced by those who have a vegan diet, but it contains more than this; Sam's desire is to fit in and not feel awkward could be translated to a whole variety of social situations. The outsider is one of the great 'characters' of literature and the writer here takes it into a new sphere in a cracking monologue which shows the inadvertent isolation of the individual.

    Tom Erb's clever monologue illustrates some of the issues faced by those who have a vegan diet, but it contains more than this; Sam's desire is to fit in and not feel awkward could be translated to a whole variety of social situations. The outsider is one of the great 'characters' of literature and the writer here takes it into a new sphere in a cracking monologue which shows the inadvertent isolation of the individual.

    ”
CHARACTER NAME: SAM

SETTING: (A typical suburban backyard during a sunny afternoon. There are decorations for a barbecue party, with guests mingling, kids playing in the background, and a large grill smoking with various meats. Sam, our character, is standing somewhat awkwardly by the salad table, holding a plate with a lone veggie burger and a handful of carrot sticks.)

SETUP: (Sam, a dedicated vegan, has been invited to their new neighbor's barbecue. Wanting to make a good impression and not be rude, they attend despite knowing the menu will be decidedly non-vegan. The monologue captures Sam's internal monologue as they navigate the social landscape, trying to fend off well-meaning but misinformed comments about their diet while also trying to connect with the new neighbors.)