It’s important for one to understand the difference between dialogue and monologue, especially if you are a literature student. These terms are often used in literature, and knowing the difference between (dialogue vs monologue) is necessary.
A dialogue involves two or more individuals who engage in a conversation or other forms of discourse. While dialogue is a conversation between two or more people, a monologue is a type of art that typically consists of soliloquy, a long speech by one person.
The difference between dialogue and monologue is that the former is a conversation between two or more individuals, while the latter is a speech by one person.
We have discussed more on the difference between dialogue and monologue in this article.
What Is a Dialogue?
The English dictionary defines the term “dialogue” as a conversation or other forms of discourse between two or more persons. The English word “dialogue” was derived from the Greek word “dialogos”, which means conversation.
Generally, dialogue plays an important role, especially in fiction. In novels, dramas, films, and short stories, dialogue is used as the main technique. The audience can be enticed by the performance in a drama because of the dialogue.
In dramas, it’s the dialogue that portrays how the characters interact. Through dialogue, the characters are able to reveal their thoughts and ideas. Also, through dialogues, a reader is able to understand the characters, their personalities and positions in either a novel or a short story.
We will look at the dialogue from Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland.
- “Oh, you can’t help that, ‘said the Cat: ‘we’re all made here. I’m mad. You’re mad”.
- “How do you know I’m mad?” said Alice.
- “You must be, ‘said the Cat, ‘or you wouldn’t have come here”.
A few additional key details about dialogue.
- Dialogue is often defined in contrast to monologue when there is only an individual speaking.
- Dialogue is important for moving the plot of a story forward, and it can also be important for conveying information about the characters and the plot.
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What Is a Monologue?
A monologue is a long speech delivered by a character in which genuine feelings and thoughts are expressed to the other characters or the audience. Monologues are typically used in dramatic and non-dramatic works- such as dramas, films, poetry, etc.
Monologues intend to show the inner workings of a character in a play, drama, poetry, or film. Its purpose is to understand the character’s motivation, which could mainly remain internal.
The two different types of monologues include interior monologue and dramatic monologue.
An interior monologue is mainly about the characters expressing their genuine thoughts to the audience. In contrast, dramatic monologues is about the character genuinely expressing their thoughts to other characters.
Additionally, monologues typically share much in common with many literary devices such as apostrophes, asides, and soliloquies. Although there are differences between each of these devices.
Dialogue vs Monologue: Example of a Monologue
There is no general requirement stating that a monologue must be at the start or end of a play, film, or show. Monologues typically occur all the time.
Let’s say there is a television series about a group of friends. In one episode of this television series, one of the friends has been a bully. Now, the group is having fun telling jokes about some of the irritating things the bully has done to other kids at school.
While they were discussing, one girl interrupted everyone saying.
“You know, I don’t think what you are doing is funny. In fact, I think it’s sad and disgusting. You think you are cool because you grew faster than others, and now you can bully and beat them up”?
“Tell me, what is cool about hurting people? We are all here pretending that you are tough and that you are a leader when really, I know that you are nothing but a mean bully. All this time I have been a bit scared to say that, but now, I realise that I’m not afraid of bullies. I won’t be afraid of you!”
If a conversation stops and shifts its focus to a specific character’s speech, it’s often an indication of a monologue. Here, the group conversation between friends becomes one girl’s response.
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Dialogue vs Monologue: Difference and Comparison
Dialogues and monologues are two literary devices that generally involve speech.
Generally, dialogue plays an important role, especially in fiction. In dramas, it’s the dialogue that portrays how the characters interact. Through dialogue, the characters are able to reveal their thoughts and ideas.
On the other hand, a monologue is a long speech delivered by a character in which genuine feelings and thoughts are expressed to the other characters or the audience. Monologues are typically used in dramatic and non-dramatic works- such as dramas films, poetry, etc.
Characters Involved in Dialogues vs Monologues
In dialogue, two or more characters are engaged in a conversation, while in monologue, there is only one character expressing his or her feelings and thoughts to the audience or to other characters.
Usage
Dialogues are often used these days compared to monologues. Monologues are not often used compared to dialogues.
Purpose
The purpose of a dialogue is to express ideas and thoughts by communicating or interacting with others or an audience. In contrast, the main objective of the monologue is to express the inner feelings of the character, which could remain internal.
Example
A typical example of a dialogue involves two people who are having a conversation after a long time of not seeing each other. An example of monologue is a father giving important advice to his son/daughter- giving them feedback and sharing his feelings.
Dialogue vs Monologue: More Key Differences between Dialogue and Monologue
Dialogue is the fundamental that drives the plot forward in various theatrical works. Monologues are more focused on the individual, and their perspective, whereas dialogue offers a platform for agreement and perplexity of interpersonal communication.
A monologue is a long speech delivered by a character in which genuine feelings and thoughts are expressed to the other characters or the audience.
On the other hand, a dialogue involves the exchange of words between two or more individuals. The purpose of engaging in a dialogue is to help progress the narrative, establish relationships, and convey important information.
Also Read: Hill vs Mountain: Difference vs Comparison
Dialogue vs Monologue: Comparison Chart
| Dialogue | Monologue | |
| Definition | Conversation or other forms of discourse between two or more persons. | A monologue is a long speech delivered by a character in which genuine feelings and thoughts are expressed to the other characters or the audience. |
| Purpose | Drives narrative, develops character relationship | Reveals internal thoughts or delivers information |
| Participants | Two or more persons | One person |
| Common in | Plays, novels, and everyday conversation | Soliloquies in plays and stand-up comedy |
| Representation | Interpersonal interactions | Individual’s perspective |
Conclusion
A dialogue involves two or more individuals who engage in a conversation or other forms of discourse. While dialogue is a conversation between two or more people, a monologue is a type of art that typically consists of soliloquy, a long speech by one person.
In dramas, it’s the dialogue that portrays how the characters interact. Through dialogue, the characters are able to reveal their thoughts and ideas. Monologues intend to show the inner workings of a character in a play, drama, poetry, or film.
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References
- Wikipedia: Dialogue
- Pediaa: Difference Between Monologue and Dialogue
- LitCharts: Dialogue Definition
- LiteraryTerms.net: Monologue
