Introduction

Worldwide presence theatrical, it is common to hear the terms "monologue" and "soliloquy." They are often used interchangeably and are easily confused. However, these two concepts have distinct differences that we want to explore in this article.

What is a monologue?

A monologue is a play in which a single actor speaks out loud. This speech can be an internal thought or a contemplative performance of a character. Generally, a monologue is used as an element to represent the main character's thoughts or emotions without the need for another character to converse with him on stage.

The monologues can be found at all of theatrical works, from comedy to tragedy. In addition, they can vary in duration and can be interpreted intensely or with humor, everything will depend on the situation in which it occurs.

Monologue example:

«How is it possible that he still loves me after everything I've done? I am a liar, a thief, a criminal. What can she see in me? What did she make me fall in love with someone like me? Maybe she's blind. Or maybe she isn't, and that's why I love her, because she sees something that no one else sees. But how long can I keep up this charade before let him realize Who am I really?

What is a soliloquy?

On the other hand, the soliloquy is a technique in which the character speaks out loud to himself or directly to the audience. Unlike the monologue, the soliloquy allows the audience to hear the character's inner thoughts.

When a character performs a soliloquy, they may be talking about the plot, their personal life, their emotions, or any other matter they wish to share with the viewer. The soliloquy is a powerful tool in theater, as it allows the audience to better understand the character's motivations and thoughts.

Soliloquy example:

«Oh, poor Romeo, have you not yet learned the pain of falling in love with someone who has never wanted to be yours? Haven't you endured enough pain for love? But despite everything, here you are, willing to risk everything for her. Oh love! Why are you so blind and so dangerous? But no matter how much it hurts us, I will never stop loving you, ever.

Differences between monologue and soliloquy

Now that we know the basic definitions of both terms, we can highlight the Main differences between a monologue and a soliloquy. The differences are the following:

• A monologue is a speech that is said aloud by one character without another responding, while a soliloquy is a speech that is addressed directly to the audience or the character to himself.
• The monologue can be used to show a character's inner thoughts, while the soliloquy is used to show the character's motives and emotions.
• The monologue is an interpretation of the character's contemplation and thoughts, while the soliloquy is a technique that allows characters to speak directly to the audience or to themselves.

Conclusion

We hope this article has clarified the differences between a monologue and a soliloquy. Both techniques are powerful ways to tell stories and show characters' emotions and thoughts. Whether you are writing a play, performing on stage, or simply enjoying a play, it is important to understand these techniques and how they can be used. effectively in the theater.

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