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Situational Irony
Definition of Soliloquy
A soliloquy is a literary device, most often found in dramas, in which a character speaks to him or herself, relating his or her innermost thoughts and feelings as if... read full definition
A soliloquy is a literary device, most often found in dramas, in which a character speaks to him or herself, relating his or her innermost... read full definition
A soliloquy is a literary device, most often found in dramas, in which a character speaks to him or herself... read full definition
Chapter 46
Explanation and Analysis—Hoshino and the Stone:
After Nakata’s death, Hoshino finds himself lonely without anyone to talk to, so he begins telling the entrance stone about his life to pass the time. The activity gradually becomes an exercise in self-reflection, an extended soliloquy about his life, his dreams, and his regrets. His speech can be considered a soliloquy because there is no one around to hear but himself and the reader, except for the stone. By verbalizing his thoughts, Hoshino is able to consider his life in ways that he never has before:
“If I were a girl,” he said to the stone, “and was going out with a self-centered bastard like me, I’d blow my stack. I’m sure of it, now that I look back on it. I don’t know how they all put up with me for so long. It’s amazing.” He lit a Marlboro and, slowly exhaling smoke, rubbed the stone with one hand. “Am I right or what? I’m not so good-looking, no great shakes in bed. Don’t have much money. Not such a great personality, not too bright."
This is an unusual soliloquy because Hoshino speaks as if to a specific conversational partner, the stone, rather than to himself. This shows how familiar he has become with Nakata's companionship, after spending most of his career as a truck driver in solitude. He comes to the conclusion that he has wasted most of his life but that there is still hope for him. His solitude has taken on a greater meaning in the absence of Nakata's company.
Related Themes:
