‘Harvey’ (Veta): “Every once in a while, I see that big white rabbit myself”

VETA: Yes, Doctor… he’s… this isn’t easy for me, Doctor. I noticed it right away when Mother died, and Myrtle Mae and I came back home to live with Elwood.  I could see that he… that he… Doctor, everything I say to you is confidential, isn’t it? Doctor, I want Elwood committed out here permanently because I can’t stand another day of that Harvey.  Myrtle and I have to set a place at the table for Harvey.  We have to move over on the sofa and make a place for Harvey.  We have to answer the telephone when Elwood calls and asks to speak to Harvey.  Then, at the party this afternoon—(overcome, she pauses for a moment.) We didn’t know about Harvey until we came back here.  Doctor, don’t you think it would have been a little kinder of Mother to have written and told me about Harvey? Harvey is a rabbit, a big white rabbit, six feet high—or is it six feet and a half?  Heaven knows that I ought to know.  He’s been around the house long enough. My brother’s closest friend is this big white rabbit.  He and Elwood go every place together.  Elwood buys theatre tickets, railroad tickets for both of them.  As I told Myrtle May—if your uncle is so lonesome he had to bring something home—why couldn’t he bring home something human?  He has me, doesn’t he?  He has Myrtle Mae.  (Leans forward.) Doctor, I’m going to tell you something I’ve never told anybody in the world before.  (Takes a deep breath.)  Every once in a while, I see that big white rabbit myself.  Now isn’t that terrible?  I’ve never even told Myrtle Mae. And what’s more, he’s every bit as big as Elwood says he is.  But don’t tell anybody I told you so.

More Monologues from the Play, ‘Harvey’