Before or During Reading Strategy
Question: How might a soliloquy – that is, talking to oneself –occur in everyday life?
 Are soliloquies something you only see in plays? Are there any moments in
everyday life when people might engage in a soliloquy?
 What are some things you might talk to yourself about?
 Why does it help to talk out loud to yourself when you’re thinking about these
kinds of problems? What does talking out loud to yourself help you to do?
Scenario: Antonio and Shylock sign a bond (contract) stating that Antonio would borrow
three thousand ducats (a lot of money) from Shylock for three months. After three months,
if Antonio could not pay off his debt to Shylock, Shylock would remove a pound of Antonio’s
flesh from his body. (Ouch!)
R.A.F.T. WRITING
Role: Select one of these characters: Bassanio, Antonio, Shylock, or Portia
Audience: Nobody except the audience (no other characters in the play)
Format: Soliloquy: a speech a character gives while alone on stage that expresses true
feelings and opinions (private thoughts; thinking out loud; talking to oneself)
Topic: The bond (contract) that Antonio has agreed to give a pound of flesh if he doesn’t
repay his debt to Shylock or that Portia has no choice in the selection of her future husband
*Thou should challenge yourself to write the soliloquy using Shakespearean language! It’s not
required; it’s just more fun!
Example:
Role: Antonio
Audience: Nobody
Format: Soliloquy
Topic: The bond
Antonio: Methinks this is a bad idea! How stupid of me to sign my life away! I want to help
Bassanio, but t’is not a smart choice! I should really think this through. Oh, what am I
doing!?...If something terrible happens…
Your Character:____________________
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When you are finished writing your soliloquy, prepare your dramatic performance by
making two deliberate choices about vocal volume and body language.
1. Reread your soliloquy
2. Make two notes on your soliloquy
 one for vocal volume & variation
 one for body language
Vocal Volume & Variation
Body Language
Are you talking fast, slow, soft,
harsh, with an attitude, etc.?
Are you pacing back and forth, throwing hands in the air,
falling to knees, burying head in hands, smiling, etc?