Meaning Of Aside In Literature

The Meaning of "Aside" in Literature: Unveiling the Character's Inner World

The term "aside" in literature refers to a dramatic device where a character speaks directly to the audience, or to themselves, unheard by the other characters on stage. It's a powerful tool used by playwrights to reveal a character's inner thoughts, motivations, and true feelings, offering a glimpse into their psychology that wouldn't be possible through dialogue alone. Understanding the meaning and function of asides is crucial for appreciating the nuances of dramatic literature, especially in works of Shakespeare, where this technique is frequently employed. This article delves into the multifaceted meaning of asides, exploring their various forms, functions, and impact on storytelling.

Understanding the Mechanics of an Aside

At its most basic level, an aside is a brief comment or remark made by a character, typically in a low voice, that is intended to be heard only by the audience. This creates a sense of intimacy and complicity between the character and the viewer, fostering a unique connection that transcends the fictional world of the play. Unlike a soliloquy, which is a longer speech delivered alone on stage, an aside is usually short and integrated seamlessly into the flow of the dialogue. It can be a single word, a short phrase, or a longer sentence, depending on the playwright's intent.

Asides can be delivered in various ways:

• Whispered Aside: A quiet, almost secretive remark, suggesting uncertainty or caution on the part of the character.
• Direct Aside: A clear, concise statement made directly to the audience, often with a knowing or conspiratorial tone.
• Aside Through Action: A subtle gesture or facial expression that conveys a character's inner thoughts without spoken words. This silent aside relies heavily on the actor's skill and interpretation.

The Functions of Asides in Dramatic Literature

The use of asides serves multiple crucial functions in enhancing the dramatic effect and enriching the audience's understanding:

• Revealing Hidden Thoughts and Intentions: Asides offer a privileged window into a character's true thoughts and feelings, often contrasting sharply with their outward behavior. A character might feign politeness while secretly harboring resentment, a discrepancy revealed through a cleverly placed aside. This technique adds depth and complexity to character development, allowing for richer portrayals of human nature.

• Creating Dramatic Irony: The audience's knowledge of a character's true intentions, as revealed through an aside, can create dramatic irony. We might see a character plotting something sinister while the other characters on stage remain oblivious. This creates suspense and anticipation, as we await the unfolding consequences. This is particularly effective in creating comedic or tragic situations.

• Guiding the Audience's Interpretation: Playwrights use asides to subtly guide the audience's understanding of the plot or the characters' relationships. A character's aside might subtly hint at upcoming events or clarify ambiguous situations, shaping the audience's perspective on the unfolding drama.

• Breaking the Fourth Wall: By directly addressing the audience, the character transcends the fictional reality of the play, breaking the "fourth wall" that traditionally separates the actors from the viewers. This technique fosters a sense of intimacy and immediacy, engaging the audience more deeply in the narrative. The use of asides facilitates a more immediate connection between the character and the audience, enhancing the overall impact of the performance.

• Adding Humor or Sarcasm: Asides can be a vehicle for comedic effect. A character might deliver a sarcastic or witty aside that underscores the absurdity of a situation or the folly of another character. This can add layers of humor to a dramatic scene, providing both amusement and insight into the character's personality.

Examples of Asides in Famous Plays

Shakespeare masterfully employs asides throughout his plays to enhance the dramatic impact and reveal character psychology. Consider these examples:

• Hamlet: Hamlet's famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy is often mistakenly considered an aside. However, it's a soliloquy, not an aside. True asides in Hamlet are more subtle, such as when characters make brief, revealing comments to the audience during moments of high tension or deception. These moments highlight Hamlet’s internal struggles and the complexity of his character.

• Macbeth: Macbeth uses asides frequently to express his internal conflicts and anxieties, revealing his growing guilt and paranoia as he descends into tyranny. These private confessions showcase the internal struggle between ambition and conscience.

• A Midsummer Night's Dream: The comedic characters in this play, particularly Puck, use asides to comment on the unfolding chaos and to keep the audience informed about the magical machinations taking place. Puck's asides often serve to create humor and highlight the absurdity of the situation.

Asides vs. Soliloquies and Monologues: Key Differences

While asides share similarities with soliloquies and monologues, there are crucial distinctions:

• Asides: Brief, spoken to the audience only, unheard by other characters.
• Soliloquies: Longer speeches, delivered alone on stage, revealing inner thoughts to the audience.
• Monologues: Longer speeches, addressed to another character or characters on stage.

The key difference lies in who the character is addressing and the length and purpose of the speech. Asides are characterized by their brevity and their function as a secret communication between the character and the audience.

The Modern Use of Asides

Though heavily associated with classical drama, the aside remains a valuable technique in modern theatre and literature. Contemporary playwrights might utilize asides to:

• Comment on social or political issues: An aside might offer a cynical or satirical commentary on societal norms or political events.
• Create a sense of alienation or disconnection: A character might use asides to express their feelings of isolation or detachment from the world around them.
• Introduce meta-theatrical elements: Asides can draw attention to the artificiality of the theatrical experience itself, prompting reflection on the nature of performance and representation.

Analyzing Asides: A Practical Guide

When analyzing the use of asides in a play, consider the following questions:

• What information does the aside reveal? Does it contradict the character’s outward behavior? Does it offer insight into their motivations or intentions?
• What is the tone of the aside? Is it humorous, sarcastic, anxious, or revealing?
• How does the aside contribute to the overall dramatic effect? Does it create suspense, irony, or humor?
• What is the relationship between the aside and the surrounding dialogue? How does it fit into the flow of the scene?

By carefully examining these elements, we can gain a deeper understanding of the playwright's craft and the complexities of the characters they portray.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are asides always whispered?

A: No. While often delivered quietly, asides can also be spoken clearly and directly to the audience. The delivery style depends on the specific context and the playwright's intent.

Q: Can asides be used in non-dramatic literature?

A: While less common, the principle of an aside can be found in other forms of literature, such as novels and short stories. Internal monologues or thoughts inserted into the narrative can function similarly to asides, revealing a character's inner world to the reader.

Q: Why are asides important for understanding character development?

A: Asides provide crucial insight into characters' hidden thoughts and motivations, revealing the complexities of human behavior and creating more well-rounded and believable characters. They allow for a direct connection between the character’s inner world and the audience, fostering a richer understanding of their journey and motivations.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of the Aside

The aside, a seemingly simple dramatic device, holds significant power in shaping the narrative and enriching the audience's understanding of the characters and plot. Its ability to reveal hidden thoughts, create dramatic irony, and foster intimacy with the audience ensures its enduring relevance in dramatic literature. By understanding the mechanics and functions of asides, we can appreciate the subtle artistry of playwrights and gain a deeper understanding of the characters and the complexities of human experience portrayed on stage. From Shakespeare’s timeless masterpieces to contemporary plays, the aside serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of storytelling and the ability of theatre to unveil the hidden depths of the human heart. Analyzing asides offers a fascinating avenue to unravel the intricate tapestry of dramatic literature and gain a more profound appreciation for the art of storytelling.