Dramatic Monologue
Question: Write a short note on Dramatic Monologue.
Introduction
The term ‘Dramatic Monologue’ is one of the finest terms in English literature. According to Claud Howard, this form of poetry was introduced in English literature by Geoffrey Chaucer and started its way of development in the Elizabethan period and perfected by Robert Browning in the Victorian period.
Definition of Dramatic Monologue
A dramatic monologue is a type of poem in which a speaker speaks in front of a silent listener or listeners.
Characteristics of Dramatic Monologue
- Single speaker: A single speaker will be present in Dramatic Monologue.
- Presence of silent listener or listeners: A silent listener or a group of silent listeners will be present.
- Focusing on self-revelation: The speaker of the Dramatic Monologue poem will focus on self-revelation.
- Abrupt beginning: The Dramatic Monologue poem will be started abruptly.
- Moral story: Moral story will be discussed in this type of poem.
- A vast variety of characters, Peculiar perspective, and argumentation are also characteristics of Dramatic Monologue poem and so on.
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A shortlist of Dramatic Monologue poem and writer
- Robert Browning (1812-1889): ‘Porphyria’s Lover’, ‘My Last Duchess’, ‘The Patriot’, ‘Andrea Del Sarto’, ‘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’.
- T. S. Eliot (1888-1965): ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock’
- Elizabeth Bishop (1911-1979): ‘Crusoe in England’.
- Judith Wright (1915-2000): ‘Eve to Her Daughters’.
- Carol Ann Duffy (1955-present): ‘Medusa’.
Conclusion
To sum up, the form of the poem undoubtedly develops the store of English poetry. And Robert Browning is called the poet of Dramatic Monologue for his contribution.
