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What is Dramatic Monologue?

Dramatic Monologue is a lyrical poem in the form of speech spoken by a single man. It is dramatic because it begins abruptly and in the development of its thought it takes several sudden turns which impart a dramatic dimension to the poem.

In a dramatic monologue, the single speaker reveals his thoughts in the presence of a single silent listener or some silent listeners. The speaker is not necessarily the poet himself though the speaker often gives out the poet’s beliefs and philosophy. The speaker’s revelation, in fact, leads the readers to probe deep into the psyche of the speaker.

For this reason, a dramatic monologue is said to be a psycho-analytical or soul-dissecting. Therefore, a dramatic monologue is a kind of poem which comprises a lyrical strain, an abrupt beginning a single speaker, a silent listener or listeners, psychological analysis, clues to suggest the presence of the silent listeners, and what they say or do.

Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess” is a fine example of dramatic monologue. Here the Duke is the sole speaker and the envoy is the passive listener. From the Duke’s revelation his own character and the character of the Duchess are revealed. Tennyson’s “Ulysses” and “Tithonus” are also famous dramatic monologue.

Dramatic Monologue

A dramatic monologue is a type of poem where a single speaker talks to an unseen listener. The poem reveals the speaker’s thoughts, emotions, and personality. It often has a dramatic situation or conflict.

Features of Dramatic Monologue

  1. Single Speaker – Only one person speaks, and their thoughts are revealed.
  2. Silent Listener – The speaker talks to someone who does not reply.
  3. Psychological Depth – The speaker’s emotions, character, and motives become clear.
  4. Dramatic Situation – The poem is like a small scene from a play, with action and tension.
  5. Irony – The speaker may say things that reveal more than they intend.

Famous Writers of Dramatic Monologue

  1. Robert Browning
  2. Alfred, Lord Tennyson
  3. T. S. Eliot
  4. Ezra Pound
  5. Matthew Arnold

Famous Dramatic Monologues and Their Descriptions

1. “My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning

  • The Duke of Ferrara speaks about his late wife.
  • He shows a portrait of her to a visitor.
  • He reveals that he was jealous of her kindness to others.
  • He hints that he had her killed: “I gave commands; then all smiles stopped together.”
  • This poem reveals the Duke’s arrogance and cruelty.

2. “Ulysses” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

  • Ulysses, the Greek hero, speaks about his life after the Trojan War.
  • He feels bored with his quiet life as a king.
  • He wants to keep exploring the world: “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”
  • The poem reveals his restless and adventurous spirit.

3. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T. S. Eliot

  • The speaker, Prufrock, is a modern man full of doubts and fears.
  • He worries about aging, love, and social judgment.
  • He feels lonely and insecure: “Do I dare disturb the universe?”
  • The poem captures the modern sense of isolation and anxiety.