A soliloquy is a specific type of monologue in a play or poem where a character speaks their thoughts aloud while they are alone or believe themselves to be alone.
Understanding the Soliloquy
Based on the provided reference, a soliloquy is the term traditionally used for a monologue that is delivered when the character is alone. It's a dramatic device that allows the audience to hear the character's inner thoughts, feelings, motivations, and plans directly, providing crucial insight into their state of mind or the unfolding plot.
Key Characteristics
- Character is Alone: The defining feature is that the speaker is isolated on stage, or at least believes they are.
- Speaking Thoughts Aloud: The character voices their internal thoughts, rather than speaking to another character.
- Direct Address to Audience (Implicit): While not speaking to the audience directly in the way of an aside, the thoughts are revealed for the audience's benefit.
- Monologue Form: It takes the form of a lengthy speech by a single character.
The Purpose of a Soliloquy
Soliloquies serve several important functions in dramatic literature:
- Reveal Inner Conflict: They allow the audience to understand a character's moral dilemmas or internal struggles.
- Advance the Plot: Characters can reveal secret plans, intentions, or discoveries.
- Provide Background Information: They can recap past events or provide context necessary for understanding the current situation.
- Establish Character: They offer deep insight into a character's personality, motivations, and psychological state.
- Build Suspense: A character might reveal a course of action the audience knows is dangerous or misguided.
Examples in Literature
One of the most famous practitioners of the soliloquy is William Shakespeare. As noted in the reference, many of his plays feature these speeches, sometimes beginning with lines indicating the character's solitude, such as “Now I am alone.” These moments signal to the audience that they are about to experience a soliloquy, gaining privileged access to the character's private thoughts.
Famous examples include Hamlet's "To be or not to be" speech, Macbeth's "Is this a dagger which I see before me?" or Juliet's speech before taking the potion in Romeo and Juliet.
