Romeo And Juliet Chapter Flashcards
Dramatic Monologue
A lyric poem in which a speaker addresses a silent or absent listener in a moment of high intensity or deep emotion, as if in a private conversation.
Example, the poem “The Seven Ages of Man,” spoken by Jaques is a dramatic monologue
Dialogue
Written conversation between two or more characters. Dialogue brings characters to life and gives readers insight into the character’s qualities.
Tragic Flaw
Events in a tragic plot are set in motion by a decision that is often an error in judgment on the part of the hero. This causes the character’s downfall.
Soliloquy
A speech in which a character speaks his or her thoughts aloud. The character is generally on the stage alone, not speaking to other characters.
Example, the beginning of Act Two,Scene 3, of “Romeo and Juliet” Friar Laurence has a long soliloquy
Aside
A short speech directed to the audience, or another character, that is not heard by the other characters on stage.
Example, 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
A dramatic work that presents the downfall of a dignified character or characters who are involved in historically or socially significant events.
Example, Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is a tragedy
Stage direction
The instructions in a play, usually are printed in italic type. They serve as a guide to directors, set and lighting, designers, performers, and readers.
Example, Jeff gets up walks to the window, and looks out into the dark
Foil
A character who provides a striking contrast to another character. Using foil, a writer can call attention to certain traits possessed by a main character or simply enhance a character by contrast.
Example, Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, Mercutio serves as a foil to Romeo
Dramatic Irony
A special kind of contrast between appearance and reality, usually one in which reality is the opposite of what it seems.
Example, the unexpected twist in the outcome of “The gift of the magi”
