soliloquy
English meaning: Soliloquy
English Definition
(English)A soliloquy (from Latin: solus = alone, loqui = to speak) lets dramatists reveal a character's true thoughts, fears, and motivations that they would never voice to other characters. It differs from an aside (spoken while others are present but cannot hear) and a monologue (a long speech addressed to others). Soliloquy is the theatre's equivalent of stream-of-consciousness narration.
English Definition
A dramatic device in which a character speaks their thoughts aloud while alone on stage, giving the audience direct insight into their inner mind. Shakespeare's soliloquies — Hamlet's 'To be or not to be', Macbeth's 'Is this a dagger' — are among literature's most famous.
Example
“Hamlet's 'To be or not to be' soliloquy is arguably the most famous speech in all of English literature, exploring mortality, suffering, and the fear of the unknown.”
In English: “Hamlet's soliloquy on existence and death is the most celebrated speech in English drama.”
Synonyms
- monologue
- aside
- interior speech
Antonyms / Opposites
- dialogue
Literary Heritage
“Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird! No hungry generations tread thee down.”
“Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird! No hungry generations tread thee down.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B