In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, an example of an aside occurs in Act 1, Scene 5, during the Capulet’s feast. When Romeo first sees Juliet, he comments to himself, “If I profane with my unworthiest hand / This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this: / My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand / To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.”
This speech is directed to Juliet, but the other characters on stage cannot hear it, which exemplifies the use of an aside. Romeo is expressing his feelings and thoughts about Juliet while remaining unnoticed by her. Such moments create intimacy between the characters and the audience, allowing us to understand his inner emotions while also highlighting the dramatic irony of their circumstances.