Aside

Definition

An aside is a dramatic device in which a character speaks directly to the audience, revealing thoughts or feelings that are not heard by other characters on stage. This technique allows the audience to gain insight into a character's true intentions or emotions, creating a deeper connection to the story. In the context of theatrical performances, especially in the Elizabethan era, asides were used to enhance the dramatic effect and engage the audience more intimately with the plot.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Asides were particularly common in Elizabethan theater as they allowed for character development and plot advancement without requiring action from other characters.
2. They typically consist of brief statements, contrasting with longer soliloquies that delve deeper into a character's psyche.
3. Shakespeare frequently employed asides to provide comedic relief or build tension by revealing a character's duplicity or hidden motives.
4. Asides contribute to dramatic irony, as the audience is privy to information that other characters are unaware of, enhancing engagement and suspense.
5. The use of asides helped actors connect with audiences in large venues like the Globe Theatre, where direct emotional engagement was crucial for maintaining interest.

Review Questions

• How does an aside function to enhance character development in Elizabethan theater?
  • An aside allows characters to reveal their inner thoughts and motivations directly to the audience, creating a deeper understanding of their intentions. By sharing these secrets, characters can express emotions that may not be conveyed through dialogue with other characters. This technique fosters a connection between the audience and the characters, making their journeys more relatable and engaging.
• Discuss the impact of asides on the overall narrative structure of a play during the Elizabethan period.
  • Asides play a critical role in shaping the narrative structure by adding layers of complexity to character interactions and advancing the plot. They allow playwrights to introduce dramatic irony, where audiences are aware of hidden truths that other characters are not. This creates tension and intrigue within the story, pushing audiences to anticipate outcomes based on knowledge shared through asides.
• Evaluate how Shakespeare’s use of asides in his plays compares to contemporary theatrical techniques.
  • Shakespeare's use of asides provides insight into character motivations and engages audiences in a unique way, utilizing direct address to break down barriers between actors and spectators. In contemporary theater, similar techniques such as breaking the fourth wall serve comparable functions but may also involve multimedia elements or interactive components. The essence remains—the goal is to deepen audience engagement and enhance storytelling through shared knowledge and emotional connections.

Related terms

Soliloquy: A soliloquy is a speech delivered by a character who is alone on stage, expressing their inner thoughts and feelings directly to the audience.

Monologue: A monologue is a long speech by one character in a play, which may be directed towards other characters or the audience, revealing their thoughts and emotions.

Breaking the Fourth Wall: Breaking the fourth wall refers to moments when characters acknowledge the audience's presence, often engaging them directly and disrupting the illusion of reality within the performance.