Asides in Theatre
Definition: An aside is a brief remark or comment made by a character in a play, intended to be heard by the audience but not by other characters on stage. It is usually spoken directly to the audience, often in a low voice or under the breath.
Purpose:
* To reveal the character's inner thoughts and feelings: Asides allow characters to express their true opinions, doubts, or plans without revealing them to other characters.
* To provide commentary on the action: Asides can offer the audience insights into the situation or the other characters that are not directly conveyed in the dialogue.
* To create humor or irony: Asides can be used to create comedic moments or to highlight the absurdity of a situation.
* To advance the plot: Asides can sometimes reveal crucial information that moves the story forward.
Examples:
* In Shakespeare's *Hamlet*, Hamlet famously delivers the aside "To be or not to be..." revealing his contemplation of suicide.
* In *The Importance of Being Earnest*, Lady Bracknell's aside, "An engagement to a man of no family! I forbid it!" provides a humorous commentary on her character.
Other uses:
The term "aside" can also be used in other contexts, such as:
* In writing: A comment or observation inserted into a text that is not directly related to the main topic.
* In conversation: A brief remark or comment made to someone else, but not intended for the main group to hear.
It's important to note that asides are a common device in theatre, particularly in comedies and tragedies. However, they are not used in all plays, and their frequency and purpose can vary depending on the playwright's style and the type of play.