Day: September 17, 2023

Introduction to Asides

Asides or an “aside” is a theatrical or literary device where a character briefly steps out of the ongoing dialogue or action to address the audience or reveal private thoughts and emotions.

This technique allows for a deeper understanding of the character’s inner world, motivations, and conflicts, often contributing to dramatic irony and character development in plays, literature, and other narrative forms.

As a performative tool, asides serve to engage the audience in a unique manner, providing insights not readily available through regular dialogue or interaction among characters.

Literary Examples of Asides

Play	Character	Aside	Context
“A Streetcar Named Desire”	Blanche DuBois	“They told me to take a streetcar named Desire, and then transfer to one called Cemeteries…”	Blanche delivers this aside in the opening scene, reflecting on her journey and foreshadowing the play’s themes of desire and decay.
“Death of a Salesman”	Willy Loman	“It’s all right. I came back… I’m gonna win it for him both, Mother and Biff.”	Willy Loman’s aside reveals his inner thoughts and aspirations as he grapples with his perceptions of success and failure.
“The Glass Menagerie”	Tom Wingfield	“I’m going to the movies.”	Tom’s aside serves as a brief commentary on his desire for escapism and his yearning to escape his familial responsibilities.
“The Importance of Being Earnest”	Algernon Moncrieff	“Lane’s views on marriage seem somewhat lax. Really, if the lower orders don’t set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them?”	Algernon’s aside is a humorous commentary on societal expectations and the contrast between appearances and reality.

How to Create an Aside

1. Character Development:
   • Understand your character’s motivations, emotions, and inner thoughts. What does your character want or need to express privately? What is the purpose of the asides in advancing the character’s development or the plot?
2. Select the Right Moment:
   • Identify a suitable moment within the scene where the asides would be most impactful. It should align with the character’s current situation, emotions, or interactions with others.
3. Compose the Asides:
   • Craft the aside as a concise and focused statement, usually just a few lines or sentences. Ensure that it conveys the character’s inner thoughts or emotions without disrupting the flow of the main dialogue.
4. Direct Address or Internal Thoughts:
   • Decide whether the aside will be directed at the audience or serve as an internal monologue. If directed at the audience, the character may break the fourth wall. If internal, the audience gains insight into the character’s thoughts without direct interaction.
5. Timing and Delivery:
   • Pay close attention to the timing and delivery of the asides. It should not interrupt the ongoing dialogue but should flow naturally within the scene. The character should deliver it in a way that communicates its intended meaning and emotion.

Benefits of Using Asides

1. Character Depth and Complexity:
   • Asides allow playwrights to delve into the inner thoughts and emotions of characters, providing a deeper understanding of their motivations, conflicts, and complexities. This contributes to well-rounded character development, fostering empathy and engagement with the audience.
2. Dramatic Irony:
   • Asides create opportunities for dramatic irony, a powerful storytelling device. By revealing information or intentions known only to the character delivering the aside, asides engage the audience in a unique way, generating tension and anticipation as they possess knowledge that other characters do not.
3. Enhanced Audience Engagement:
   • Asides engage the audience directly or through internal monologues, fostering a sense of intimacy and involvement. This engagement heightens the audience’s connection to the characters and the narrative, making for a more immersive theatrical experience.
4. Subtext and Subtlety:
   • Asides enable the exploration of subtext and subtlety within a play. They allow characters to convey hidden agendas, secrets, or suppressed emotions without overtly stating them. This adds layers of complexity to the dialogue and encourages critical thinking by the audience.
5. Versatility and Narrative Impact:
   • The strategic use of asides can serve various narrative purposes, such as providing exposition, foreshadowing events, adding humor, or intensifying conflict. This versatility makes asides valuable tools for playwrights to shape the overall impact and thematic depth of a play.

Aside and Literary Theory

Literary Theory	Approach to “Aside”	Critique of “Aside”
Formalism	Focuses on the structure and aesthetics of the text.	Formalists might analyze how the placement and language of the aside contribute to the play’s overall structure and artistic cohesion.
Feminism	Examines gender roles and power dynamics.	Feminist theorists may explore whether asides perpetuate gender stereotypes or challenge traditional gender norms in their content and context.
Marxism	Analyzes class struggles and economic disparities.	Marxists could investigate whether asides reflect or challenge class distinctions, economic inequality, or societal hierarchies within the play.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Explores characters’ psychological motivations.	Psychoanalytic critics may examine how asides reveal characters’ subconscious desires, fears, or inner conflicts, contributing to their psychological complexity.
Deconstructionism	Questions binary oppositions and meaning.	Deconstructionists might analyze how asides disrupt binary distinctions, blur boundaries, or create ambiguity, challenging conventional interpretations.
Postcolonialism	Addresses issues of imperialism and colonialism.	Postcolonial theorists could explore whether asides reflect colonial power dynamics, cultural clashes, or resistance to colonization in their subtext.

Suggested Readings

1. Chubbuck, Ivana. The Power of the Actor: The Chubbuck Technique. Penguin Books, 2004.
2. Catalano, Frank. The Art of the Monologue: Monologues They Haven’t Heard Yet. BookSurge, 2007.
3. Mackey, Carol Hanbery. Soliloquy in Nineteenth-Century Fiction. Palgrave Macmillan, 1987.
4. Shengold, Nina. The Actor’s Book of Contemporary Stage Monologues: More Than 150 Monologues from More Than 70 Playwrights. Penguin Books, 1987.
5. Hasegawa, Yoko. Soliloquy in Japanese and English. John Benjamin Publishing Co. 2010.

Etymology of Aside

• Middle English: In Middle English, “aside” was spelled as “asiden” or “a-siden” and meant “on the side” or “away from the main path or direction.” It was used both in a literal sense and as a figurative expression.
• Old English: The Old English root of “aside” is “on sīdan,” which means “to one side.” Old English “sīdan” is related to the word “sīd,” meaning “side.”

Meaning of Aside

• Theatrical Usage: In drama and literature, an aside is a comment or remark made by a character that is meant to be heard by the audience or a specific individual but not by the other characters on stage.
• Linguistic Origins: The word “aside” has its origins in Middle English and Old English, where it originally meant “on the side” or “away from the main path or direction.”
• Old English Roots: The Old English root of “aside” is “on sīdan,” which means “to one side” and is related to the word “sīd,” meaning “side.”

Definition of Literary Device of Aside

An aside is a dramatic or literary device where a character briefly breaks from the main dialogue to directly address the audience or reveal private thoughts, providing insights into their inner feelings or intentions.

Common Features of an Aside

Feature	Description
Direct Address to the Audience	These asides involve a character speaking directly to the audience or, in some cases, to a specific individual within the story, not intended for other characters to hear.
Brief Interruption	It typically represents a brief interruption or departure from the ongoing dialogue or action within the scene.
Revealing Inner Thoughts	The character uses these asides to reveal their inner thoughts, emotions, intentions, or secrets that may not be known to other characters.
Dramatic Irony	As the audience gains privileged access to the character’s thoughts or plans, asides often create dramatic irony, where the audience knows something that other characters do not.
Character Development	Asides are a tool for character development, providing insights into a character’s personality, motivations, conflicts, or moral dilemmas.
Enhanced Understanding	They help the audience understand the complexities of a character’s psyche, contributing to a richer and deeper comprehension of the narrative.
Often Used for Humor or Tension	Asides can be used for comedic effect, offering humorous commentary, or to heighten tension by revealing hidden agendas or conflicts.
Typically Short	Asides are usually concise and to the point, designed to maintain the flow of the main scene while offering additional context or perspective.
Associated with Theater	While asides are most commonly associated with theater and drama, they can also be found in literature and film when a character’s inner thoughts are presented in a similar manner.

Types of Asides

Type of Aside	Description
Soliloquy	A soliloquy is a type where a character, typically alone on stage, speaks their inner thoughts, often in a reflective and introspective manner. It allows the audience to understand the character’s innermost feelings and conflicts. Soliloquies are a form of self-address.
Aside to the Audience	In these types of asides, a character briefly breaks the fourth wall and speaks directly to the audience, sharing thoughts or comments that other characters on stage are unaware of. It is a way to provide insight or commentary on the unfolding events.
Monologue	A monologue is a more extended form of speech where a character speaks their thoughts and feelings aloud, often in the presence of other characters. While not always private, monologues can serve similar purposes to asides, such as revealing inner thoughts.
Inner Dialogue	An inner dialogue occurs when a character engages in an internal conversation with themselves, revealing conflicting emotions or thoughts. This type of aside allows the audience to witness the character’s inner turmoil.
Dramatic Irony	It is used for dramatic irony occurs when a character shares information with the audience that other characters in the scene are unaware of. This creates tension and anticipation as the audience knows more than the on-stage characters.
Comic Aside	Comic asides are used for humor and are often employed to provide comedic commentary on the actions or situations in the play or story. These asides are meant to amuse the audience.
Narrative Aside	In literature, narrative asides occurs when the narrator briefly steps out of the narrative to provide commentary or insights to the reader. It is a tool for the author to convey additional information or perspectives.
Intrapersonal Aside	This type of aside involves a character addressing their own thoughts and emotions, often to clarify their own feelings or motivations. It provides insight into the character’s self-reflection.
Emotional Aside	An emotional aside involves a character expressing intense emotions, such as love, anger, or despair, to the audience or themselves. It serves to emphasize the character’s emotional state.
Plot Advancement Aside	Sometimes, an aside is used to convey critical information or advance the plot discreetly. It may involve revealing a character’s intentions, plans, or secrets that have significant narrative implications.

Shakespearean Asides/Soliloquies

1. “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare:
   • Hamlet: “To be or not to be, that is the question…”
   • Aside: In this famous soliloquy, Hamlet contemplates life and death, expressing his inner thoughts and doubts directly to the audience.
2. “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare:
   • Macbeth: “Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee.”
   • Aside: Macbeth delivers this aside as he contemplates the murder of King Duncan. He speaks to himself and the audience, revealing his inner turmoil and descent into madness.
3. “Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare:
   • Brutus: “It must be by his death; and for my part, I know no personal cause to spurn at him, But for the general.”
   • Aside: In this aside, Brutus expresses his internal conflict and reasoning for joining the conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar. He shares his thoughts with the audience while interacting with other characters.
4. “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare:
   • Juliet: “O, for a falconer’s voice To lure this tassel-gentle back again! Bondage is hoarse, and may not speak aloud…”
   • Aside: Juliet delivers this aside while longing for the return of Romeo, who has just departed. She expresses her love and impatience, unaware that Romeo is secretly listening.

Suggested Readings

1. McGrath, Michael J. “The (Ir) relevance of the Aside in Golden Age Drama.” Romance Quarterly 61.4 (2014): 227-237.
2. Hunter, G. K. “Notes on’asides’ in Elizabethan drama.” Notes and Queries 44.1 (1997): 83-86.
3. Cousins, Anthony D., and Daniel Derrin, eds. Shakespeare and the Soliloquy in Early Modern English Drama. Cambridge University Press, 2018.

Etymology of Antistrophe

The term “antistrophe” has its origins in ancient Greek, specifically from the word “ἀντιστροφή” (antistrophē), where “ἀντί” (anti) denotes “opposite” or “counter,” and “στροφή” (strophē) signifies “turn” or “twist.”

In ancient Greek literature and drama, an antistrophe referred to the second part of an ode or choral song, during which the chorus would move in an opposing direction or rhythm to the preceding strophe.

This etymological combination of “anti” and “strophe” underscores the contrasting and rhythmic nature of the antistrophe in ancient Greek poetic and dramatic performances.

Meaning of Antistrophe

• Antistrophe Definition: Antistrophe refers to a structural element in ancient Greek poetry and drama.
• Choral Song Component: It represents the second part of a choral ode or song.
• Opposite Movement: During the antistrophe, the chorus would typically move or respond in the opposite direction or rhythm to the preceding strophe.
• Rhythmic Contrast: The antistrophe’s contrasting movement and rhythm added depth and complexity to poetic and dramatic performances.
• Enhanced Emotion: This structural contrast heightened the emotional and thematic impact of the performance on the audience.
• Etymology: The word “antistrophe” is derived from the ancient Greek “ἀντιστροφή” (antistrophē), combining “ἀντί” (anti) for “opposite” and “στροφή” (strophē) for “turn” or “twist.”

Definition of Literary Device of Antistrophe

The literary device of antistrophe is a structural element found in ancient Greek poetry and drama. It refers to the second part of a choral ode or song, where the chorus responds in an opposing rhythm or direction to the preceding strophe. This rhythmic contrast serves to enhance the emotional and thematic impact of the performance on the audience.

Common Features of an Antistrophe

• Structural Component: It is a structured element within choral odes or songs.
• Chorus Response: It serves as the chorus’s response to the preceding strophe.
• Opposite Movement: Typically, the chorus moves or responds in an opposite direction or rhythm compared to the strophe.
• Rhythmic Contrast: The antistrophe provides rhythmic contrast to the strophe, creating a distinct poetic and dramatic effect.
• Enhanced Emotion: This structural contrast contributes to heightening the emotional and thematic impact of the performance on the audience.
• Traditional Usage: Antistrophes are a traditional feature in ancient Greek literature, particularly in the works of Greek playwrights like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.

Elements of Antistrophes

Elements	Explanation	Example
Strophic Antistrophe	This basic antistrophe involves the chorus repeating the same metrical pattern as the strophe but with different words, reinforcing or emphasizing the strophe’s thematic elements.	In a strophe, the chorus praises the beauty of nature, and in the antistrophe, it continues to extol nature’s wonders using the same rhythmic structure.
Circular Antistrophe	In this type, the chorus returns to its original position after moving oppositely during the strophe, often symbolizing cyclical or repeating themes in the text.	During the strophe, the chorus laments the passing of time, and in the antistrophe, it circles back to express hope for renewal and the eternal nature of life’s cycles.
Contrasting Antistrophe	The chorus responds to the strophe with contrasting themes, imagery, or emotions, creating tension and complexity, highlighting the duality of the subject matter.	In the strophe, the chorus celebrates the joy of love, while in the antistrophe, it explores the pain and sorrow that can accompany love’s intensity.
Chorus Split Antistrophes	In this form, the chorus is divided into multiple groups, each singing a different antistrophe, presenting multiple perspectives, conflicting emotions, or a chorus dialogue.	One group of the chorus expresses optimism in the antistrophe, while another group counters with skepticism, engaging in a lyrical debate within the composition.
Refrain Antistrophe	This antistrophe type employs a repeated refrain or line in both the strophe and antistrophe, establishing a rhythmic and thematic link between the two sections.	In the strophe, the chorus chants, “Sing, O Muse!” and in the antistrophe, it echoes with the same refrain, reinforcing the call for inspiration and unity in the composition.
Epode	While not strictly an antistrophe, the epode is a distinct section that follows the strophe and antistrophe, offering resolution, summary, or new perspectives on previous themes.	After both explore the joys and sorrows of life, the epode provides a reflective conclusion, emphasizing the fleeting nature of human existence.

Examples from Literature

1. Examples from Oedipus Rex by Sophocles:

Antistrophe 1

First on Athene I call; O Zeus-born goddess, defend!
Goddess and sister, befriend,
Artemis, Lady of Thebes, high-throned in the midst of our mart!
Lord of the death-winged dart!
Your threefold aid I crave
From death and ruin our city to save.
If in the days of old when we nigh had perished, ye drave
From our land the fiery plague, be near us now and defend us!

Antistrophe 2

Wasted thus by death on death
All our city perisheth.
Corpses spread infection round;
None to tend or mourn is found.
Wailing on the altar stair
Wives and grandams rend the air–
Long-drawn moans and piercing cries
Blent with prayers and litanies.
Golden child of Zeus, O hear
Let thine angel face appear!

2. Example from The Bacchae by Euripides:

Antistorphe                                    

Who’s in the street? Who’s there? Who?
Let him stay inside
out of our way.
Let every mouth be pure,                                                                  
completely holy,
speak no profanities.
In my hymn I celebrate
our old eternal custom,
hailing Dionysus.

Future of Antistrophe in Literature and Theory

1. Evolving Interpretations: Antistrophe in literary theory continues to undergo evolving interpretations and applications in the study of ancient Greek drama.
2. Comparative Analysis: Antistrophes remain a key element in comparative analyses of Greek and non-Greek literary traditions, helping scholars explore the unique features of Greek drama.
3. Postcolonial Perspectives: Antistrophes are being examined from postcolonial viewpoints to explore its implications in terms of power dynamics, representation, and cultural exchange.
4. Digital Humanities: Digital tools and computational methods are also being used to analyze the patterns and variations of antistrophes in ancient texts, offering new insights into its structural significance.
5. Cognitive Approaches: Cognitive literary theory explores how antistrophes, as recurring motifs, may tap into universal cognitive processes, shedding light on its emotional and rhetorical impact.
6. Pedagogical Relevance: Antistrophes continue to play a role in the teaching of classical literature, providing a framework for students to analyze and appreciate the nuances of Greek drama.
7. Adaptation and Performance Studies: In adaptation and performance studies, antistrophe remains a crucial element for directors and actors in understanding the rhythm and dynamics of Greek plays.
8. Contemporary Relevance: Scholars are examining how it themes of opposition, response, and balance resonate with contemporary literary and cultural contexts, making it a relevant concept in modern literary theory.

Suggested Readings

1. Euripides. Euripides, Volume IV: Trojan Women. Iphigenia among the Taurians. Ion. Edited and translated by David Kovacs, Harvard University Press, 2003.
2. Plato. Plato: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito. Edited and translated by G. M. A. Grube, Hackett Publishing Company, 2002.
3. Sophocles. Sophocles I: Antigone, Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus. Edited and translated by David Grene and Richmond Lattimore, University of Chicago Press, 2013.
4. Sophocles. Sophocles II: Ajax, The Women of Trachis, Electra, Philoctetes. Edited and translated by David Grene and Richmond Lattimore, University of Chicago Press, 2013.