Write a Short Note on “Dramatic Monologue.”
___ is a notable literary work by ___. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of ___.
Answer
Write a short note on “Dramatic Monologue.”
A dramatic monologue is a type of poem in which a single speaker speaks in front of a silent listener or listeners. The single speaker reveals personal thoughts and feelings. This type of poem provides insights into the speaker’s personality, emotions, and desires. Robert Browning (1812-1889) is regarded as a master of Dramatic Monologue.
A Short List of Dramatic Monologue Writers and Poems
- Robert Browning (1812-1889): ‘My Last Duchess,’ ‘The Patriot,’ ‘Andrea Del Sarto,’ and ‘Fra Lippo Lippi’ etc.
- E. B. Browning (1806-1861), wife of Robert Browning: ‘The Runaway Slave at Pilgrim’s Point’.
- Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892): ‘Ulysses,’ ‘Locksley Hall,’ ‘Oenone.’
- T. S. Eliot (1888-1965): ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock’
A dramatic monologue usually has three important elements:
Single Speaker: A Dramatic Monologue has only one speaker. The speaker tells a story, memory, or deep thoughts. He may be a king, lover, murderer, or ordinary person. In Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess,” the Duke is the only speaker. He describes his late wife and his feelings about her.
A Silent Listener or Silent Listeners: The speaker talks to someone, but the listener never replies. The listener’s presence is understood, even though we do not hear them. This makes the poem feel like a real conversation. For example: in “My Last Duchess,” the Duke speaks to a visitor, but the visitor remains silent.
Self-Revelation: The speaker of a Dramatic Monologue reveals his/her thoughts, emotions, and even secrets. The speaker’s words give us insight into his/her mind and personality. Sometimes, they unknowingly reveal dark secrets or hidden desires. This makes a dramatic monologue very interesting. For example, in “My Last Duchess,” the duke speaks about his dead wife. His words reveal his jealousy and pride—giving us a hint that he is the murderer of his wife. The duke speaks:
“I gave commands;
Then all smiles stopped
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