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What is a good monologue?

A good monologue is a powerful piece of writing that gives a single character the chance to express their thoughts, feelings, and motivations. It is a key literary device that helps to develop character and plot, and it can be used to great effect to create dramatic tension and emotional resonance. When writing a monologue, it is important to focus on creating a realistic and believable character that the audience can relate to, and to make sure that the language used is both vivid and emotive. A good monologue will stay with the audience long after they have finished reading or watching it, and it will leave them with a deeper understanding of the character and the play or story as a whole. Here are some examples of effective monologues from literature and drama: Hamlet's 'To be or not to be' soliloquy from Shakespeare's Hamlet, Prospero's 'Our revels now are ended' speech from The Tempest, Blanche DuBois' 'I have always depended on the kindness of strangers' monologue from A Streetcar Named Desire, Willy Loman's 'Attention must be paid' speech from Death of a Salesman, and Oedipus' "Where was God..." soliloquy from Oedipus Rex. Each of these monologues is a masterpiece of writing and serves to illuminate the play or story in a unique and unforgettable way.

Monologues

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