Authorial Choices Flashcards
Definitions of dramatic devices
What is meant by Soliloquy?
A speech or piece of writing in which a character in a play of fiction would speak their thoughts aloud, revealing their innermost feelings and motivations to the audience.
Effect on the reader
Why is soliloquy used in works or play of fiction?
The purpose of a soliloquy is to provide insight into a character’s mind and emotions, and to advance the plot or reveal important information to the audience. In literature, a soliloquy is often used as a literary device to help the audience understand a character’s thoughts and motivations more fully.
Making connections with the literary work
How are soliloquies used in the Tempest
Soliloquies are used to reveal the inner thoughts and feelings of the character Prospero. Throughout the play, Prospero uses soliloquies to reveal his feelings of anger and resentment towards his brother Antonio, his feelings of betrayal and desire for revenge, his magical powers, and much more.
References to the literary work
An example of using soliloquy in Act 1
Antonio, Act 1 Scene 2
“But this swift business I must uneasy make, Lest too light winning make the prize light.”
Antonio delivers a soliloquy to reveal his plans to overthrow Prospero. Antonio has seized power and taken control of the city. In his soliloquy, Antonio speaks about the need to act quickly in order to maintain his hold on the city.
Using the reference from the quote, it expresses Antonio’s fear that if he does not act quickly and decisively, he may lose his power and control over Milan. It also reveals his cunning and ruthless nature, as he is willing to take whatever steps are necessary to maintain his hold on the city.
Overall, this gives the audience an insight into his character and motivations. It also foreshadows the conflict that will arise betewen Antonio and Prospero.
References to the literary work
An example of using soliloquy in Act 5
Prospero, Act 5 Scene 1
“The rarer action is In virtue…drown my book.”
Prospero delivers a soliloquy which reveals his plans to forgive his brother Antonio and to give up his magical powers. This soliloquy is an important moment in the play, as it marks a turning point in Prospero’s character and the overall plot of the story.
In this soliloquy, Prospero reflects on the events of the play and the mistakes he has made. He admits that he has used his magical powers for revenge and that he has been blinded by his anger and resentment towards Antonio. However, he also realises that he has been acting out of a sense of pride and that he needs to let go of his grudges and forgive his brother. He also decides the renounce it and live a more peaceful and harmonious life.
Overall, this solioquy shows Prospero’s change of heart and his desire for forgiveness and reconciliation. It also reveals the themes of forgivesness and redemption that are present in the play, and it foreshadows the happy ending in which Propsero is reunited with his daughter and restored to his rightful place as the Duke of Milan.
References to the literary work
An example of using soliloquy in Act 4
Caliban, Act 4 Scene 1
“Be no afeard; the isle is full of noises…It’s time.”
In this soliloquy, Caliban reflects on his past actions and his relationship with Prospero, the magician who has been ruling over him on the island. Caliban laments his own foolishness and weakness, and vows to be more cunning in the future.
Caliban’s soliloquy also reveals his feelings of isolation and loneliness on the island. He speaks of the “thousand twangling instruments” and “voices” that he hears, and he expresses a desire to escape into dreaming as a way of escaping from the reality of his situation. He speaks of the “clouds” that he imagines opening up to reveal “riches,” suggesting a desire for a better life and a sense of longing for something more.
Overall, Caliban’s soliloquy serves as a poignant expression of his feelings of powerlessness and despair, as well as his determination to take control of his own destiny.
Definitions of dramatic devices
What are motifs?
A recurring salient thematic element throughout a work of literature. It helps develop the central theme of a work.
Effect on the reader
Why are motifs used in works of fiction?
Their purpose is to convey the theme of the author’s work, and allows them to frame ideas that centre around a particular theme.
Making connections with the literary work
How are motifs used in the Tempest?
The Tempest makes use of multiple motifs to convey ideas and themes about colonization, forgiveness, and power. Using a motif, the author can effectively convey ideas centred around particular topic(s) of interest.
References to the literary work
An example of using water as a motif in Act 1
Prospero, Act 1 Scene 2
“The cloud-swapped towers, the gorgeous palaces, the solemn temples,… not a rack behind.”
The character Prospero speaks about his plans to bring the characters on the ship to the island. In this scene, Prospero uses water imagery to reinforce the idea of change and impermanence, and to highlight the transformative power of the island. This is an example of the motif of water in the play.
In these lines, Prospero describes how the human world will eventually dissolve and fade away, leaving nothing behind. The use of water imagery in these lines reinforces the idea of change and impermanence, and highlights the transformative power of the island.
References to the literary work
An example of using water as a motif in Act 2
Ariel, Act 2 Scene 1
“Full fathom live thy father lies; Of his bones are coral made; … rich and strange.”
The character Ariel sings about the beauty and power of the island. In this scene, Ariel describes the island as being alive and full of magic, and uses water imagery to reinforce the idea of transformation and renewal. This is an example of the motif of water in the play.
In these lines, Ariel describes how the island is alive with magic and beauty, and how it has the power to transform death and decay into something beautiful and new. The use of water imagery in these lines reinforces the idea of transformation and renewal, and highlights the power of the island to create change.
References to the literary work
An example of using water as a motif in Act 3
Caliban, Act 3 Scene 1
“The red plague rid you For learning me your language! … worship this dull fool!”
In Act III, Scene 1 of William Shakespeare’s play The Tempest, the character Caliban speaks about his hatred for Prospero and his desire for revenge. In this scene, Caliban uses water imagery to reinforce the idea of change and transformation, and to highlight the complexity of his character and his motivations. This is an example of the motif of water in the play.
In these lines, Caliban uses the image of a red plague to express his anger and resentment towards Prospero. However, he also reveals his desire for change and wisdom, and expresses regret for his past actions. The use of water imagery in these lines reinforces the idea of transformation and renewal, and highlights the complexity of Caliban’s character and his inner struggles.
References to the literary work
An example of using nature as a motif in Act 1
The Boatswain, Act 1 Scene 1
If you can command these elements to silence and work the peace of the present, we will not hand a rope more”
This quote underlines the power that nature holds. We will not hand a rope more shows that if humans could control the elements, they would make the elements work for them instead. Controlling the elements or nature would be the ultimate power. We later discover that Prospero controls the elements on the island. This then suggests the power he holds compared to the others.
References to the literary work
An example of using nature as a motif in Act 2
“Here is everything advantageous to life.
…How lush and lusty the grass looks! How green!”
Gonzalo, after being surviving the shipwreck starts to appreciate the nature. This suggests that he is trying to find positive aspects after the experience he just went through. The author could be suggesting the appreciation of life only after we experience something that could have been the last time we would have seen anything.
Defintions of dramatic devices
What is meant by antithesis?
A literary device that involves the use of contrasting ideas, words, or concepts in a balanced or parallel structure.
