Characteristics of a Monologue:
* Single Speaker: Only one person delivers the speech.
* Extended Length: The speech is significantly longer than a typical line of dialogue.
* Self-Directed: The speaker often addresses themselves or their thoughts and feelings.
* Revealing of Character: Monologues can provide insights into the speaker's personality, motivations, and inner world.
* Dramatic Purpose: Monologues often serve to advance the plot, develop characters, or create a specific mood or atmosphere.
Examples of Monologues:
* Hamlet's "To be or not to be" soliloquy: In Shakespeare's Hamlet, Hamlet contemplates life and death in a famous soliloquy.
* "The Lady's Not for Burning" by Christopher Fry: This play features numerous lengthy monologues that explore themes of love, faith, and the human condition.
* "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Jay Gatsby's soliloquy about his love for Daisy Buchanan is a key moment in the novel.
Uses of the Term:
* Drama and Literature: Monologues are a common feature in plays, novels, and other literary works.
* Film and Television: Monologues are also used in movies, television shows, and other forms of media.
* Public Speaking: While not as common, monologues can also be used in public speaking contexts.
Note: The term "monologuing" can also be used informally to describe someone who talks at length without allowing others to contribute.