English Definitions 2 Flashcards
Dramatic Monologue
A dramatic monologue is a lyric poem in which a speaker addresses a silent or absent listener in a moment of high intensity or deep emotion, as if engaged in private conversation. The speaker proceeds without interruption or argument, and the effect on the reader is that of hearing just one side of a conversation. This technique allows the poet to focus on the feelings, personality, and motivations of the speaker. The poem known as “The Seven Ages of Man,” spoken by Jaques, a character in Shakespeare’s play As You Like It, is a dramatic monologue.
Dialogue
Dialogue is written conversation between two or more characters. Writers use dialogue to bring characters to life and to give readers insights into the characters’ qualities, traits, and reactions to other characters. Realistic, well-paced dialogue also advances the plot of a narrative. In fiction, dialogue is usually set off with quotation marks. In drama, stories are told primarily through dialogue.
Soliloquy
is a speech in which a character speaks his or her thoughts aloud. Generally,
the character is on the stage alone, not speaking to other characters and perhaps not even consciously addressing an audience. At the beginning of Act Two, Scene 3, of Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence has a long soliloquy. Shakespeare makes use of soliloquies in many of his plays.
Aside
is a short speech directed to the audience, or another character, that is not heard by the other characters on stage. In Act Four, Scene 1, of Romeo and Juliet, Paris is urging that his marriage to Juliet take place soon. Friar Laurence expresses his uneasiness in an aside.
Tragedy
is a dramatic work that presents the downfall of a dignified character (tragic hero) or characters who are involved in historically or socially significant events.
Tragic Flaw
The events in a tragic plot are set in motion by a decision that is often an error in judgment (tragic flaw) on the part of the hero.
