Example: After Romeo and Juliet fall in love at first sight at the Capulet party, Romeo asks the Nurse who Juliet is. When the Nurse reveals that Juliet is a Capulet, Romeo says to himself, “Is she a Capulet? / O dear account! My life is my foe’s debt (I.v.18-19).

Question

Is this an example of monologue, soliloquy, aside, or dialogue? Explain.

Answer 1

This is an example of an aside. An aside is a dramatic technique where a character speaks directly to the audience or to themselves, revealing their thoughts or emotions that are not meant to be heard by the other characters on stage. In this example, Romeo's statement, "Is she a Capulet? / O dear account! My life is my foe's debt," is meant to convey his inner thoughts and knowledge to the audience, without the other characters, including the Nurse, being aware of it.