Hamlet Soliloquy Act 1.2
Definition A soliloquy is a dramatic device in which a character delivers a speech alone on stage to the audience to revela his/her inner most thoughts and feelings. The plays of William Shakespeare feature many soliloquies. The "To be or not to be" speech in Hamlet is perhaps the most famous one in the English language. Macbeth's "Tomorrow and tomorrow" speech and Juliet's "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" are other famous examples of Shakespearean soliloquies.
Hamlet’s first soliloquy (1.2) YouTube - Hamlet Act 1 Scene 2 Soliloquy (1996) YouTube - Hamlet Act I Scene II
Why a soliloquy is used The use of soliloquy is to demonstrate internal conflict or character insight. Think about the soliloquy: To whom is the character speaking? What does this character want? What do you learn as an audience member from what the character is saying?
In our own words… How could we re-write a speech for Hamlet? How would he deliver this soliloquy in 2010?