Silioquay Flashcards
Soliloquy
The act of speaking one’s thoughts aloud when by oneself, or regardless of anyone listening,especially by a character in a play
What does a soliloquy allow us to see?
It allows the thoughts of the character to be heard. It’s very honest and revealing. We learn about the character’s motivations and deepest thoughts
What events occurred prior to Juliet’s soliloquy, in the Potion Scene, which gave rise to her thoughts?
She has gone through absolute despair:
►Romeo has been banished as a result of killing her cousin, Tybalt
►Soon after this event, Juliet is verbally abused and threatened by her father as she refuses to marry Paris. Juliet feels abandoned by everyone and seeks the Friar’s help
►She tells the Friar she would rather jump off the battlements of a tower than marry Paris
►The Friar comes up with a plan; Juliet must apologise to her father and agree to marry Paris. The Friar then gives her a potion which he explains, once taken, will make her appear dead
►In the Potion Scene Juliet prepares to take the potion
►As instructed, She asks the nurse to leave her alone
►The remainder of the scene is made up of Juliet’s soliloquy
What does Juliet talk about in her soliloquy?
She outlines her many fears and doubts about taking the potion
What thoughts are revealed to the audience during Juliet’s soliloquy (Potion Scene)?
►She worries the potion won’t work at all and she’l be married in the morning
►She then questions the Friar’s loyalty. She fears he might be trying to cover up his involvement in the secret marriage and has given her poison
►Her next worry is that she will wake before Romeo comes to get her and she will suffocate in the vault
How does Juliet’s soliloquy end?
As she outlines her many doubts and fears, her speech gathers momentum and finally and dramatically ends with her taking the potion
