Which of the following statements about the dramatic monologue are correct?

1. A. It allows reciprocal dialogue with the speaker.
2. B. Nineteenth-century poets fully exploited the form.
3. C. Robert Langbaum's The Poetry of Experience discusses the dramatic monologue.
4. D. The speaker's self-absorption makes him the only one who speaks.
5. E. In Browning, speaker and listener share the same footing in the exchange.

1. AA, B and C only
2. BB, C and D only
3. CC, D and E only
4. DB, D and E only

Pick an option to check yourself, or open the answer below.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. B, C and D only

Explanation

In Browning and Tennyson the auditor is silent and implied. Langbaum (1957) reads the form as a 'poetry of experience' that balances sympathy and judgement.