Final answer:
Option (B), Asides and soliloquies are used in plays for character development and to provide insight into characters' thoughts. Asides are brief and heard only by the audience, while soliloquies are longer speeches where a character alone on stage shares inner thoughts directly with the audience.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a play, asides and soliloquies are dramatic devices used for character development and providing the audience with insight into the characters' thoughts. An aside is a brief remark by a character intended to be heard by the audience but not by other characters on stage, which can reveal hidden thoughts or secret motives. In Shakespearean plays, asides are often used to add complexity to characters and plot, highlighting internal conflicts or ironic situations.
On the other hand, a soliloquy is a longer speech where a character, alone on stage, reveals their inner most thoughts, plans, and emotions directly to the audience. This has a profound impact on the audience's understanding of the character and the play's themes, as it often includes key narrative details. For example, in Hamlet, the famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy provides deep insight into Hamlet's state of mind and his contemplation on life and death.
The historical context of these devices can be traced back to the 16th and 17th centuries, a time when theatre was a major cultural force and playwrights like William Shakespeare skillfully crafted poetic language for actors to perform. Dramatic monologues, including asides and soliloquies, were a powerful way to connect with the audience, shedding light on the characters' internal worlds in a dynamic theatrical environment.