dramatic monoluge and soliloquy
main similarity and main difference
http://www.ehow.com/info_8353295_differences-between-monologue-soliloquy.html
A dramatic monologue and a soliloquy are both forms of dramatic speech used in literature and theater. While they share similarities, there are some key differences between the two.
The main similarity between a dramatic monologue and a soliloquy is that they both involve a character speaking alone on stage. In both cases, the character reveals their thoughts, feelings, and intentions directly to the audience, often providing insight into their innermost emotions and motivations.
However, the main difference lies in the context and purpose of these two types of speeches.
A dramatic monologue is a speech delivered by a character who is addressing another character or characters who are present but remain silent. The speaker in a dramatic monologue may not directly acknowledge the presence of others, instead sharing their thoughts and experiences as if having a conversation with themselves. The purpose of a dramatic monologue is often to reveal particular insights into the character's personality or to provide a critical introspection into events occurring in the story. Examples of famous dramatic monologues include Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess" and T.S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock."
On the other hand, a soliloquy is a speech delivered by a character who is alone onstage or believes themselves to be alone. Unlike a dramatic monologue, a soliloquy is not addressed to other characters within the story. It is a moment when a character shares their inner thoughts and emotions directly with the audience, providing a deeper understanding of their motivations, dilemmas, or conflicts. Soliloquies often serve to advance the plot, reveal character development, or explore themes in the play. One of the most famous soliloquies is Hamlet's "To be or not to be" speech.
In summary, both dramatic monologues and soliloquies allow characters to speak directly to the audience, providing insights into their inner worlds. However, a dramatic monologue involves a character speaking to other characters who remain silent, while a soliloquy occurs when a character is alone or believes themselves to be alone onstage.