Dialogue - Examples and definition of dialogue as a literary device (2023)

Definition of dialog.

Plato originally used the term "dialogue" to describe Socratic dialectical works. These works contain dialogues with Socrates and were intended to convey philosophical ideas. As a current literary device, dialogue refers to the lines spoken by the characters in astoryserving many functions such as addingcontextstillNarrative, FoundationVoiceyton, oAttitudeareConflict.

Writers use dialogue as a means of demonstrating communication between two characters. Most of the dialogue is spoken aloud in a voiceover, although there are exceptions regarding internal dialogue. Writers denote dialogue using quotation marks (indicating spoken words) and dialoguekey words(Words like "said" or "asked" indicate whatCharacterspeaks in narration). For example,charles dickensyou use dialogs, quotes and dialog marks effectively in your workhigh expectations:

"Oh! Don't slit my throat, sir," I begged in horror. "Please do not do that.
Sir".
"Tell us your name!" said the man. "Quickly!"
"Cheeks, sir."
"Again," the man said, looking at me. "Give him mouth!"

The reader is able to understand which words are spoken by which characters. This passage shows how dialogue is used to convey characters' thoughts and actions, as well as create dramatic conflicts that move people.Graphicalong.

Examples of why authors use dialogue

Dialogue, when used effectively in a literary work, is an important literary device. Dialogue allows the writers to pause their third-person description of the plot, characters, setting, etc. of a story, which can often seem distant from the reader for long periods of time. Instead, the story can become more dynamic when characters "speak" in a first-person narrative.

Here are some examples of why writers use dialogue in literary works:

(Video) Literary Devices: Dialogue

  • Reveal conflicts in a story.
  • story trailer
  • represent different points of view
  • provideExhibition, background information or context
  • efficient means of conveying aspects and character traits
  • to transmitcaption(a character's inner feelings and intentions beyond their superficial words of communication)
  • give the reader a deeper meaning and understanding of a story
  • set the character's voice,Support point, youmeetingexpression
  • allow characters to engage in conflict
  • Create authenticity for the reader.

Famous dialogue lines from popular movies.

Well-known movies often have memorable lines of dialogue that make it possiblePublicconnect with the characters and get a better understanding of the plot and enjoy the movie. here are somefamousPopular movie lines of dialogue:

  • Casablanca:"But what about us?"
    "We always have Paris."
  • The Wizard of Oz: "Lions? What about tigers? What about bears?
    "Oh me!"
  • Star Wars (A New Hope): It's almost within range.
    “It's not a moon; It's a space station."
  • love story: Jenny, I'm sorry.
    "No. Love means never having to apologize."
  • Where the weak have no place: "Look, I need to know what I can win."
    "All."
  • Forrest Gump:"I thought I'd try my sea legs."
    "But you don't have legs, Lieutenant Dan."
  • toys Story:"¡Buzz, vuelas!"
    "It does not fly; it falls withStyle.“

Write effective dialogues.

Writers often find it difficult to use dialogue as a literary device. This is understandable, given that most of the daily dialogue exchanged between people is often meaningless in reality. Not only is it helpful, but it's also difficult to write dialogue that "sounds" authentic to the reader. This runs the risk of distracting the reader's attention from the story with distracting dialogue.

However, authors should not avoid dialogue. This literary device, when well written, does a lot for the narrative as a whole. Dialogue that sounds natural, authentic, and realistic will drive a story's action, establish character, and deliver performance. Therefore, authors need to understand their purpose in using this literary device effectively to create an engaging story and an entertaining reader experience.

Examples of dialogue in literature.

As a literary device, dialogue can be used in almost all forms of literature. This allows readers to better understand the characters, the plot, and even that.deleof a literary work. Here are some examples of dialogues in well-known literature:

Example 1:Uphill(Cristina Rossetti)

Does the road wind all the way up?
Yes, until the end.
Will the day trip last all day?
from morning toNight,my friend.

But is there a resting place for the night?
A roof when the slow, dark hours begin.
I can not do thisDarknesshide it from my face?
You cannot miss this guesthouse.

(Video) Definition of Dialogue in Urdu and Hindi, Dialogue Figure of Speech, Dialogue Literary Device. PDF

Should I find other hikers at night?
Those who have already gone.
Do I have to ring or shout when I'm in plain sight?
They won't let you in front of this door.

Will I find comfort, weary and weak from the journey?
From work you will find the sum.
Will there be beds for me and all seekers?
Yes, beds for all who come.

It may be rare in poetry to find dialogue as a literary device because aPoemIt's the typical nature of not showing any characters. However, in Rossetti's literary work, the structure of the poem is in the form of a dialogue. The poet asks questions of a strangerspeakerand get answers to it. This dialogue structure works in the poem in such a way that the poet's questions can be understood both literally and symbolically. The poet literally asks for the direction of the road, how long the journey will take, and what they might find when they reached the top of the hill. The unknown speaker responds with logical answers to these questions on a literal level.

However, Rossetti's poem can also be interpreted as a symbolic dialogue. The poet's questions can be understood as humans would.Questionsabout life and expectations in death and the afterlife. In this way, a dialogue or conversation takes place between the poet, representative of human curiosity, and an unknown speaker with authority to reassure and confirm “answers” ​​to these symbolic questions. Readers should ask themselves whether the symbolic dialogue in the poem is between the poet and perhaps God.

Example 2:the will to be serious(Oscar Wilde)

ALGERNON.
I'm afraid not. That's why I want you to reform me. You could make this your mission, if you don't mind, Cousin Cecily.

CECILY.
I'm afraid I don't have time this afternoon.

(Video) What is a Literary Device? || Literary Device Lectures

ALGERNON.
Would you mind renovating me this afternoon?

CECILY.
This is very common of you. But I think you should try.

ALGERNON.
I go to. I already feel better.

CECILY.
You look a little worse.

ALGERNON.
It is becausemilitaryhungry.

CECILY.
How inconsiderate of me. You may have remembered that starting a brand new life requires regular, healthy meals. You do not want?Forward?

(Video) What is Dialogue || Definition of Dialogue || Dialogue in English Literature | Definition + examples

As plays are dramatic literary works intended to be performed, they often rely almost entirely on dialogue between characters as a means of presenting the narrative. When the plays are performed onstage, the audience can see and hear which character is speaking in addition to their body.attitude, intonation, intonation, etc. Famous for reading a dramatic work like Wilde'sToque, the reader understands who is speaking thanks to the character's name associated with certain lines in the dialogue.

Wilde was known for using dialogue as a literary device to create witty conversations between his characters to entertain audiences. however wildRetruecanand the unexpected exchanges between characters in his literary works often failed to generate much plot-related dramatic action. Rather, Wilde's use of dialogue and expression patterns conveysto voiceand traits of their characters, in addition to some dramatic conflicts in the narrative.

Example 3:Hills like white elephants(Ernest Hemingway)

"And you think, so we are fine and happy."
"I know we're going to make it. You don't have to be afraid. I've met a lot of people
who did it."
"Me too," said the girl. "And after that, everyone was so happy."
"Well," said the man, "if you don't want it, you don't have to. I wouldn't do that.
Did you do it when you didn't want to? But I know it's very simple."
"And do you really want to?"
"I think it's the best thing to do. But I don't want you to do it if
I really don't want to."
"And if I do that, will you be happy and things will be the way they were and
You'll love me?"
love you now. You know I love you."

On thisstoryHemingway uses dialogue as a literary device to allow his characters to think about adele, although neither the man nor the girl directly names or expresses the actual subject. This presents readers with the challenge of determining what the couple is really talking about. This is an effective strategy, considering that the couple is discussing whether the girl should terminate the pregnancy, a subject that would be taboo to mention. Instead, Hemingway constructs the dialogue in such a way that the reader must interpret the difference between what the two characters are saying and what they really mean.

Therefore, to understand the story, the reader does not need to pay much attention to what is being said, but to who is speaking and how he is speaking. The dialogue has much more to do with the nature of the characters than the words they utter. This allows the reader to pick up on subtleties like the girl's tearful tone, her mixed feelings, and her need for validation. The reader, in turn, is struck by the man's urgent, urgent tone. In a sense, Hemingway's use of dialogue provides a story in which the words "say" less about the narrative than about the attitudes of the characters.

(Video) The Purpose of Dialogue in Literature

FAQs

What is the literary device for dialogue? ›

Dialogue refers to conversation between characters in a literary work. Authors use dialogue as a characterization tool, as well as a means to move a plot forward.

What is the literary definition of a dialogue? ›

What Is Dialogue in Literature? From a contemporary writing standpoint, writers use the word “dialogue” to mean any communication between two characters—generally spoken out loud, though there are exceptions to this rule. Dialogue is denoted by quotation marks and dialogue tags.

What is the best definition of dialogue? ›

: a conversation between two or more persons. also : a similar exchange between a person and something else (such as a computer) : an exchange of ideas and opinions.

What are some examples of dialogue writing? ›

Here are some examples of writing questions in dialogue:

“Will you ever stop being a child?” she asked. “What about that man over there?” he whispered, pointing in a old gentleman's direction. “Doesn't he look odd too?” “What's the big deal, anyway?” she huffed.

What is dialogue and its types? ›

There are two broad types of dialogue writers employ in their work: inner and outer dialogue. Inner dialogue is the dialogue a character has inside their head. This inner dialogue can be a monologue. In most cases, inner dialogue is not marked by quotation marks. Some authors mark inner dialogue by italicizing it.

What are the 4 forms of dialogue? ›

The Four Types of Conversations: Debate, Dialogue, Discourse, and Diatribe.

What is a sentence for dialogue? ›

Examples from Collins dictionaries

They have begun dialogues to promote better understanding between both communities. She came back and tried to start a dialogue with the man. The dialogue is amusing but the plot is weak.

What are the five types of dialogue? ›

Contents
  • 1: Dialogue introducing key characters.
  • 2: Dialogue showing important conflicts between characters.
  • Dialogue for telling characters apart.
  • 4: Dialogue for showing characters' inner conflicts.
  • 5: Revelatory dialogue.
18 Apr 2022

What is the importance of dialogue in a play any two examples? ›

A capable writer uses dialogue to drive a story's plot forward, to bring the reader closer to its climax and, ultimately its conclusion. Dialogue can also help charge scenes with emotion, heightening tension between characters or building suspense ahead of a key event or turning point in the plot.

What is dialogue and example? ›

Dialogue is a spoken conversation that includes at least two characters. Example of Dialogue: “Are we there yet?” asked Mikey. “No,” responded Mrs. Smith.

What are the three types of dialogues? ›

Types of dialogue
  • Outer dialogue -Character talks to another character.
  • Inner dialogue -Character talks to himself/herself. Conversation between the character and the mind, Monologue.
27 Aug 2022

What are the earliest known examples of dialogue writing? ›

The oldest known dialogues are the Sicilian mimes, written in rhythmic prose by Sophron of Syracuse in the early 5th century bc.

How do you start a dialogue in a story example? ›

Sure, you can put dialogue in the very first line of a work of fiction. Anton Chekhov's story "My Life" begins like this: The director told me: "I only keep you out of respect for your esteemed father, otherwise you would have been sent flying out of here long ago."

What is a dialogue example for kids? ›

For example: “I hope we get to go to the supermarket today,” Ashley said. “Well,” replied her mother, “we will see.” This dialogue is an outer dialogue because we have two individuals speaking to each other.

Why is it called dialogue? ›

The roots of the word dialogue come from the Greek words dia and logos . Dia mean 'through'; logos translates to 'word' or 'meaning'. In essence, a dialogue is a flow of meaning .

What are the 3 functions of dialogue? ›

Though dialogue can serve many functions in fiction, three of its primary purposes are to: establish the tone and atmosphere of a scene. reveal your characters. advance your storyline.

What are the 5 rules of dialogue? ›

5 Essential Rules of Writing Powerful Dialogue
  • Don't use dialogue tags every time someone speaks. ...
  • Alternate between dialogue tags, action tags, and no tags. ...
  • Use “said” and “asked” for the smoothest reading experience. ...
  • Use dialogue to build your story. ...
  • Use correct punctuation.

What are the main elements of a dialogue? ›

Fritz. Plato and the Elements of Dialogue examines Plato's use of the three necessary elements of dialogue: character, time, and place.

What are sentences 5 examples? ›

Examples of simple sentences include the following:
  • Joe waited for the train. "Joe" = subject, "waited" = verb.
  • The train was late. ...
  • Mary and Samantha took the bus. ...
  • I looked for Mary and Samantha at the bus station. ...
  • Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station early but waited until noon for the bus.

What are the 10 rules of dialogue? ›

All dialogue should end in some form of punctuation within the quotes.
...
  • Make sure your dialogue has a purpose.
  • Balance your dialogue tag.
  • Show don't tell.
  • Avoid long monologues.
  • Use a light hand with your accents.
  • Keep your dialogue dynamic.
  • Dialogue doesn't work alone – coordinate!
  • Pay attention to punctuation.
21 Jan 2021

How do you write dialogue in an essay? ›

Put direct speech in double quotation marks. There should be both closing and opening quotation marks. Each character's words start with a new paragraph or line of dialogue. Each line should be indented.

What technique is dialogue? ›

Techniques of a Narrative: Dialogue. Narrative dialogue includes the words that the characters in a story speak aloud or internally. Authors utilize dialogue to advance character development, which aids the reader in understanding the personalities of the characters.

Is dialogue a device? ›

Dialogue is one of the most difficult literary devices to master… Image Credit: Gemma Bou via Flickr Creative Commons. When characters start talking to each other, the story comes to life. A reader can gain a far deeper understanding of a character through their words and actions than they can from the narrative text.

What kind of literary device is monologue? ›

It is a speech given by a single character in a story. In drama, it is the vocalization of a character's thoughts; in literature, the Page 2 verbalization. It is traditionally a device used in theater—a speech to be given on stage—but nowadays, its use extends to film and television.

Is dialogue a English technique? ›

Dialogue is one of the major techniques you will refer to, and it is often good to refer to it in connection with other techniques. For example, you may refer to the diction in a speaker's dialogue, which will suggest their level of education.

What are the 5 elements of dialogue? ›

The Five Essential Elements of Strong Dialogue
  • Objective. ...
  • Resource. ...
  • Setting the Stage. ...
  • The Characters. ...
  • A Quick Side Note. ...
  • Back to the Scene – After the meals are delivered. ...
  • Five Elements of Strong Dialogue. ...
  • 1) It is essential to the story.
25 Dec 2017

What is the purpose of dialogue? ›

Though dialogue can serve many functions in fiction, three of its primary purposes are to: establish the tone and atmosphere of a scene. reveal your characters. advance your storyline.

What is the 10 literary device? ›

#10 – Personification

Personification is a literary device where you give human-like qualities to non-human elements. This is one of the most well-known literary devices and it's useful for a number of reasons: Creates a stronger visual.

Where are dialogues used? ›

As a current literary device, dialogue refers to spoken lines by characters in a story that serve many functions such as adding context to a narrative, establishing voice and tone, or setting forth conflict. Writers utilize dialogue as a means to demonstrate communication between two characters.

How do you write dialogue? ›

How To Write Dialogue In 7 Simple Steps:
  1. Keep it tight and avoid unnecessary words.
  2. Hitting beats and driving momentum.
  3. Keep it oblique, where characters never quite answer each other directly.
  4. Reveal character dynamics and emotion.
  5. Keep your dialogue tags simple.
  6. Get the punctuation right.
  7. Be careful with accents.

What is monologue example? ›

For example, a scene that captures a president's speech to a crowd exhibits a dramatic monologue that is both lengthy and important to the story's plotline. In fact, in TV, theater ,and film, all speeches given by a single character—to an audience, the audience, or even just one character—are dramatic monologues.

What is difference between monologue and dialogue? ›

Monologue is typically a tedious speech said by one person during a conversation; An absence of interaction. At work, this is when someone talks to you. In contrast, a dialogue is a conversation between two or more people. When someone talks with you.

What is an example of monologue in a sentence? ›

Example Sentences

The comedian is famous for his monologue about winning the lottery. I stifled a yawn as she launched into a monologue about how she is going to become a famous star.

What are the characteristics of a dialogue? ›

Dialogue Characteristics:

Used for advancing the plot. Captures the "voice" of a character. An opportunity for subtext and verbal irony.

What are the 3 Rules of dialogue? ›

Here are three basic rules to get you started with using quotation marks to indicate dialogue in your writing.
  • Only spoken words go within quotation marks. ...
  • A different character speaking or responding with an action gets a new line or paragraph. ...
  • Punctuation marks belong inside quotation marks.
3 Apr 2017

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