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