Soliloquy and Aside

The soliloquy is one of Shakespeare's most powerful dramatic tools — a moment when a character speaks alone on stage, revealing thoughts and feelings directly to the audience. Understanding how soliloquies function is essential for Paper 1 Section A, where you may be asked to analyse an extract that includes one. This lesson examines the conventions of soliloquy and aside, explores major examples from the set plays, and develops your ability to analyse how Shakespeare uses these forms to explore the theme of love.

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What Is a Soliloquy?

A soliloquy is a speech delivered by a character who is alone on stage (or believes themselves to be alone). It is a convention of the Elizabethan and Jacobean theatre that the audience accepts as a window into the character's inner life.