soliloquy

Soliloquy (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

IPA:

What does soliloquy mean?

A type of monologue in which a character speaks their thoughts aloud, usually while they are alone.
"The soliloquy was an opportunity for the audience to see into the mind of the character."

Detailed Meaning of Soliloquy

It is a literary device typically used in drama and plays, where it serves as a way to reveal a character's innermost thoughts, motivations, and feelings. A soliloquy allows the audience or reader to understand the character's inner state and see their point of view, even if the character's thoughts are not shared with the other characters in the scene. They usually reveal the character's innermost thoughts and feelings, and can be used to reveal the character's plans, motivations, and secrets. Soliloquies are often used to create tension, to reveal the character's psychological state and to make the audience feel empathy for the character. They are also used to provide insight into the character's inner thoughts, feelings, and motivations.

Example Sentences for Soliloquy

1. In the soliloquy, the protagonist revealed their innermost fears and desires.
2. Her soliloquy in the empty room was a cathartic release of pent-up emotions.
3. The actor delivered a powerful soliloquy that left the audience in awe.
4. The playwright wrote a poignant soliloquy exploring the character's internal turmoil.
5. His soliloquy, filled with introspection, provided insight into his motivations.
6. Shakespeare's soliloquies are celebrated for their depth and emotional resonance.

Origin and Etymology of Soliloquy

The noun 'soliloquy' has its origins in two Latin words: 'soli,' meaning 'alone,' and 'loqui,' meaning 'to speak.' In essence, a 'soliloquy' is a form of monologue where a character in a play or narrative speaks their thoughts aloud while they are alone on stage or in the story. This etymology reflects the essence of soliloquies, as they provide a window into a character's innermost thoughts and feelings, spoken as if addressing themselves, and often revealing insights, dilemmas, or conflicts that might not be shared with other characters. The combination of 'soli' and 'loqui' captures the solitary nature of this dramatic device, where a character bares their inner world to the audience through spoken words, creating a powerful and introspective moment in literature and theater.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun soliloquy:

dialogue

conversation

discussion

monologue

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Soliloquy

1. The character's soliloquy served as a window into their complex psyche.
2. The soliloquy offered a glimpse of the character's inner conflict.
3. The soliloquy's eloquent words conveyed the character's inner struggle.
4. The soliloquy was a moment of vulnerability in an otherwise stoic character.
5. The soliloquy's delivery showcased the actor's exceptional talent.
6. Her soliloquy revealed the character's hidden motives.
7. The soliloquy was a dramatic turning point in the play.
8. The soliloquy's poetic language left a lasting impression on the audience.
9. The character's soliloquy provided valuable exposition to the storyline.
10. His soliloquy expressed the character's conflicted feelings about the decision.
11. The soliloquy was a moment of self-reflection for the character.
12. The soliloquy's emotional depth resonated with the audience.
13. The soliloquy's dramatic delivery added intensity to the scene.
14. The soliloquy allowed the character to voice their inner turmoil.
15. The soliloquy is a monologue spoken by a character in a play, usually revealing their thoughts and feelings.
16. The soliloquy is a device used by playwrights to reveal a character's innermost thoughts and emotions.
17. The soliloquy is a powerful tool for actors to express their characters' inner conflicts and motivations.
18. The soliloquy is a monologue that is addressed to the audience, revealing the character's thoughts and feelings.
19. The soliloquy is a dramatic device that is used to reveal a character's innermost thoughts and feelings.
20. The soliloquy is a way for the audience to gain insight into the character's mind and emotions.
21. The soliloquy is a moment of introspection, revealing the innermost thoughts and feelings of a character.
22. The soliloquy is a powerful tool to build empathy with the audience and create emotional impact.
23. The soliloquy is a monologue spoken by a character alone on stage, revealing their thoughts and emotions.
24. The soliloquy is a moment of self-reflection and self-expression for a character in a play.