WAEC 2021 Literature in English · Question 6

Something a character says on stage that is meant for the audience alone is

Options

  1. A.an epilogue
  2. B.a mine
  3. C.a soliloguy
  4. D.an aside

Answer: D. an aside

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The question asks for the term for something a character says on stage that is meant for the audience alone, which the other characters are not supposed to hear.

Explain the concept: Here are the key drama terms.

  • Epilogue: A closing speech or section at the end of a play, often addressing the audience. It is not a remark made during the action.
  • Mime (the option "a mine" looks like a misprint): Acting using gestures and movement without words, so it doesn't fit.
  • Soliloquy: A speech in which a character, usually alone on stage, speaks their thoughts aloud. An example is Hamlet's "To be, or not to be". The character is typically by themselves, and the speech reveals inner thoughts.
  • Aside: A short remark made by a character to the audience (or to themselves) while other characters are on stage. The other characters are assumed not to hear it.

Solution:

  1. The words "meant for the audience alone" suggest others on stage are present but are not meant to hear.
  2. A soliloquy is also directed at the audience, but it is a longer speech made when the character is alone.
  3. An aside is a brief remark made in the presence of other characters, but only for the audience. 4.

Answer: D. an aside

Tip: Remember it this way: Aside = Audience only, in a short remark with others around. Soliloquy = Solo, a character alone thinking aloud.

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