Asides

Definition

Asides are short comments or speeches delivered by a character directly to the audience, often revealing inner thoughts or feelings while other characters on stage remain unaware. This device allows for a deeper connection between the audience and the character, making it an important tool in works that utilize verse and heightened language, as well as in pieces set within a specific period style and historical context.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Asides can be used to provide comic relief or dramatic tension, depending on the context and content of the remark.
2. This device is particularly common in Shakespearean plays, where characters like Hamlet frequently use asides to express their true thoughts.
3. Asides enhance the experience of heightened language by emphasizing key themes or emotional states that may not be apparent in dialogue.
4. They help establish character relationships by providing insight into a character's motivations and feelings that may not be expressed openly.
5. The effectiveness of asides relies on timing, delivery, and audience engagement, making it crucial for directors to consider these elements during production.

Review Questions

• How do asides contribute to character development in plays that use heightened language?
  • Asides allow characters to share their inner thoughts and emotions with the audience while maintaining their on-stage personas. This technique helps deepen character development by revealing motivations and conflicts that may not be expressed through conventional dialogue. In plays featuring heightened language, asides serve to emphasize key themes or emotional nuances, enhancing the overall impact of the character's journey.
• Discuss the role of asides in breaking the fourth wall and how this impacts audience engagement.
  • Asides break the fourth wall by creating a direct line of communication between the character and the audience. This technique invites viewers into the character's inner world, fostering a sense of intimacy and connection. By acknowledging the audience's presence, asides can heighten engagement and encourage viewers to invest emotionally in the story, making them feel like they are part of the unfolding drama.
• Evaluate how historical context influences the use of asides in different periods of theatre.
  • The use of asides has evolved across different theatrical periods, shaped by cultural norms and audience expectations. In classical theatre, such as Greek tragedies, asides were often used sparingly due to conventions of dramatic decorum. However, in Elizabethan theatre, particularly in Shakespearean works, they became more prevalent as a way to engage audiences with complex characters. Understanding historical context allows directors to interpret asides not just as literary devices but as reflections of societal attitudes toward storytelling and character interaction at that time.

Related terms

Soliloquy: A soliloquy is a longer speech in which a character speaks their thoughts aloud, typically while alone on stage, allowing for introspection and character development.

Monologue: A monologue is an extended speech by a single character that can be addressed to other characters or the audience, often exploring a specific theme or emotion.

Fourth Wall: The fourth wall is an imaginary barrier between the actors and the audience, which asides often break through to create direct communication with viewers.