Final answer:
The dramatic monologue was influenced by both religion and science. Religion provided thematic material and moral questions, while science, through Realism and Naturalism, steered dramatic monologues towards a detailed examination of human behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dramatic monologue, a notable form of poetry that became popular during the Victorian era, can be seen as influenced by both religion and science, albeit in different ways.
Religion has been a central theme in literature for centuries, and dramatic monologues have often explored religious themes, character perspectives, and moral dilemmas. The richness of religious contexts provided a vast source of inspiration for poets to delve into characters’ inner conflicts, beliefs, and divine questions. For example, medieval liturgical drama was closely linked to religious practices and the supernatural.
Science, particularly in the form of Naturalism and Realism, influenced the dramatic monologue by encouraging a direct observation of human behavior and societal roles. The Enlightenment era’s emphasis on reason and rationality, along with the influence of scientific figures like Charles Darwin, prompted writers to explore characters and settings with a sharper eye for detail and a penchant for exploring the complexities of the human condition.