Soliloquy - GCSE English Literature Definition

What is a soliloquy?

In GCSE English Literature, a soliloquy is a speech delivered by a character alone on stage, revealing their inner thoughts and emotions. It allows the audience to understand a character’s motivations and state of mind without the influence of other characters.

Why do writers use soliloquies?

Playwrights use soliloquies to give insight into a character’s deepest thoughts, helping the audience to connect with them . Soliloquies often explore themes of conflict, ambition, morality, or fate, making them a powerful dramatic device.

Example of a soliloquy

One of the most famous soliloquies in Macbeth by William Shakespeare is the “Is this a dagger which I see before me” speech:

"Is this a dagger which I see before me,
The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee.
I have thee not, and yet I see thee still."

Here, Macbeth’s soliloquy reveals his inner turmoil before murdering King Duncan. The vision of the dagger symbolises his guilty conscience and growing obsession with power. Through this speech, Shakespeare allows the audience to witness Macbeth’s descent into ambition-driven madness.

Revision resources to ace your exams

Learn how to explore a writer’s use of a soliloquy by using our detailed GCSE revision notes.

GCSE English Literature Revision Notes

For more literary techniques, check out our list of 127 top literary devices, complete with student-friendly definitions.