Sermocinatio (Fable - Lsn 6)

[julie]

Hello,
This related to Fable Lesson 6 (Flies and Honey). Can Sermocinatio (a first person monologue) be in the first person plural? My son wrote "Oh why did we give in to pleasure, it has killed us!" He clearly needs to work on his originality , but I'm not sure if sermocinatio needs to be singular?

The example given in Lesson 6 is singular, but there is a TS Eliot example in the back of the manual on page 98 that is in 1st person plural. However, my composition teacher sister said this is a famous example of violating the dramatic monologue, so we are left somewhat in doubt.

I'd love some clarification!

Thank you,
Julie

[Abigail Johnson]

Wow, what a FUN problem to have!
I always, if I can, side on the side (ha) of creativity. So, even without the following, I would not got too tangled up in the legalism of the term, as long as the intent is being well-used. Singular to plural, I think is BRILLIANT here, showing a real talent for the dramatic effect!
On the more letigious side, being the one person speaking as a representative for a group is perfectly valid as a single-speaker using the plural sense, as the voice of the collective.
May your son come up with many more such creative figures!
NB - the characterization of Niobe has lines JUST like that, to open the idea before going to detail. I would just say make it LONGER, but leave the beautifully simple and poignant start just as it is.
Abigial