Dialogue

Definition

Dialogue refers to the written conversational exchange between characters in a literary work, particularly in plays and narratives. It is essential for character development, plot progression, and conveying themes, serving as a primary means for authors to express ideas and emotions through characters' interactions. In medieval literature, dialogue also reflects social norms, moral lessons, and the complexities of human relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In medieval drama, dialogue was crucial for engaging audiences and delivering moral messages in an entertaining way.
2. Dialogue in Le Morte d'Arthur often showcases Arthurian ideals such as chivalry and honor through the conversations between knights and ladies.
3. The use of allegorical characters in morality plays relies heavily on dialogue to convey moral lessons directly to the audience.
4. Characters in medieval works often use dialogue to express conflicting values, showcasing the tension between personal desires and societal expectations.
5. The performance aspect of medieval drama meant that dialogue was not only written but also delivered with emphasis on tone and emotion, impacting audience reception.

Review Questions

• How does dialogue contribute to character development in medieval drama?
  • Dialogue plays a key role in character development within medieval drama by allowing characters to express their motivations, conflicts, and emotions. Through conversations with other characters, audience members gain insight into individual personalities and relationships, creating a deeper understanding of their journeys. The manner in which characters speak can reveal their social status, moral alignment, and personal growth over the course of the narrative.
• Discuss how dialogue in Le Morte d'Arthur reflects the themes of chivalry and honor.
  • In Le Morte d'Arthur, dialogue is instrumental in expressing the themes of chivalry and honor as knights often engage in discussions that reflect their ideals and values. The conversations between characters highlight their commitments to loyalty, bravery, and moral integrity. Additionally, through their dialogues, Arthurian knights articulate their sense of duty towards each other and the realm, emphasizing how these themes shape their actions and decisions throughout the narrative.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of dialogue as a tool for conveying moral lessons in morality plays.
  • Dialogue serves as a highly effective tool for conveying moral lessons in morality plays by directly addressing the audience with clear messages about virtue and vice. Characters often embody specific moral qualities or failings and express these traits through their spoken words. This direct interaction allows playwrights to teach ethical principles while also engaging viewers emotionally, making moral lessons memorable. Moreover, through dialogue, audiences can witness the consequences of choices made by characters, reinforcing the lessons imparted within these narratives.

Related terms

Monologue: A long speech by one character in a play or narrative, often revealing their thoughts and feelings without interruption from others.

Dramatic Irony:

A situation in a narrative where the audience knows more about the events than the characters, often creating tension or humor.

Characterization: The process by which an author reveals the personality and traits of a character through dialogue, actions, and descriptions.