Asides

Definition

Asides are brief comments or remarks made by a character in a play, intended to be heard by the audience but not by other characters on stage. This theatrical device creates a connection between the character and the audience, allowing insights into thoughts, feelings, or intentions that would otherwise remain hidden. In the context of Shakespearean comedy, asides contribute to humor, tension, and character development, enhancing the overall experience of the play.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Asides often serve to create comedic moments in Shakespearean comedies by allowing characters to express witty observations or commentary directly to the audience.
2. Characters can use asides to reveal their true intentions or plans, which may contrast with how they behave in front of others, adding layers to their personality.
3. In comedies like 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' or 'Twelfth Night', asides are frequently used to build relationships between characters and the audience.
4. Asides can also enhance dramatic tension, as audiences become privy to secrets or schemes that other characters are unaware of, making them feel engaged in the unfolding plot.
5. Shakespeare cleverly uses asides to manipulate audience reactions, creating empathy or humor by breaking the fourth wall and drawing them into the narrative.

Review Questions

• How do asides function to create humor in Shakespearean comedies?
  • Asides create humor in Shakespearean comedies by allowing characters to make witty remarks directly to the audience. This technique lets characters share their thoughts and feelings without other characters hearing them, often resulting in comedic contrasts between what they say and what they do. The audience’s awareness of these hidden truths enhances the comedic effect and strengthens their engagement with the play.
• In what ways do asides contribute to character development in Shakespeare's comedic works?
  • Asides contribute to character development by revealing inner thoughts and motivations that might not be expressed through dialogue. Characters can showcase their true feelings or intentions when speaking directly to the audience, allowing for a deeper understanding of their personalities. This added layer makes the audience more invested in their journeys and relationships throughout the play.
• Evaluate the role of asides within the broader structure of Shakespearean comedy and its conventions.
  • Asides play a critical role within the structure of Shakespearean comedy by enhancing key conventions such as mistaken identities, romantic misunderstandings, and comedic timing. They allow for immediate commentary on events as they unfold, adding layers of irony and insight that are essential for developing complex plot lines. By breaking the fourth wall, asides engage audiences more deeply and help maintain a lighthearted tone amidst chaotic situations typical of Shakespeare's comedic works.

Related terms

Soliloquy: A dramatic speech in which a character speaks their thoughts aloud, usually when they are alone on stage, providing deeper insight into their inner conflicts and motivations.

Dramatic Irony: A situation where the audience knows more about a character's situation than the character does, creating tension and humor as events unfold.

Stage Directions: Instructions in the script that guide actors on how to perform their roles, including movements, emotions, and interactions with other characters.