1. Shakespearean Plays:
* Hamlet: "To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them?"
* The asides in bold are Hamlet's inner thoughts, revealing his internal conflict about life and death.
* Romeo and Juliet: "But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun!"
* Romeo's aside reveals his immediate attraction to Juliet, showing his passion and admiration.
2. Modern Novels:
* The Great Gatsby: "I hope she'll be a fool—that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool."
* Nick Carraway's internal narration, reflecting his cynical view of the American Dream and the shallowness of the upper class.
* To Kill a Mockingbird: "Atticus Finch was the same in court as he was at home."
* Scout's inner observation emphasizes Atticus's integrity and consistency, both in his professional and personal life.
3. Poetry:
* "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost: "The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep."
* This aside conveys the speaker's longing to stay but recognizing their responsibilities.
* "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot: "Let us go then, you and I, When the evening is spread out against the sky Like a patient etherized upon a table;"
* This aside sets the tone of the poem, hinting at the speaker's hesitancy and introspection.
4. Film and Television:
* "The Godfather": "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse."
* Don Vito Corleone's famous line, delivered directly to the camera, expresses his power and ruthlessness.
* "Friends": Monica (to Rachel): "So, how did it go with Mark?" Rachel (to the camera): "I'm so glad you asked." **
* This sitcom example uses asides for comedic effect, breaking the fourth wall to directly engage the audience.
Key takeaways:
* Asides are often used to reveal characters' inner thoughts and feelings, giving us insight into their motivations and complexities.
* They can also be used for comedic effect, breaking the fourth wall and creating a more intimate connection with the audience.
* The delivery of asides can vary depending on the medium. In plays, they are spoken directly to the audience. In novels, they are often conveyed through internal narration.
These are just a few examples. Asides are a versatile literary technique that can be found in various forms of storytelling.