Dramatic Monologue
(persona poem)
poem that reveals “a soul in action” through the speech of one character in a pivotal situation
a character (often historical or fictional)—not the poet—addresses one of more listeners who remain silent
persona: poet assumes another identity, essentially wearing a mask
specific audience is implied but does not speak
through monologue, speaker reveals crucial information about himself, other characters, and the situation
monologue provides indirect clues that readers must piece together
as a one-sided dialogue, without overt analysis or commentary, dramatic monologue emphasizes subjectivity requiring interpretation from reader
often focuses on a pivotal event or situation in the persona’s life
does not follow a particular rhyme scheme or metrical pattern
Goldstein's Grill 