Which term describes a (usually long) dramatic speech that gives the illusion of unspoken reflections?

A soliloquy is a term used primarily in drama and literature to describe a speech given by a character who is speaking their thoughts aloud, typically while alone on stage. This technique allows the audience to gain insight into the character's internal thoughts, emotions, and motivations, creating a sense of intimacy and depth in the narrative. The essence of a soliloquy lies in its one-sided nature, where the character expresses their innermost reflections without the expectation of a response from others, effectively giving the illusion of unspoken or private thoughts being shared.

In contrast, a stanza refers to a grouped set of lines in a poem, resembling a paragraph in prose, which does not convey the same dramatic speech element. A platitude is a trite or overused statement that lacks originality and depth, not fitting the context of a dramatic reflective speech. Rhetoric, while related to the art of persuasive speaking or writing, does not specifically connote the introspective and personal nature of a soliloquy. Thus, the term that most accurately captures the essence of a long dramatic speech reflecting personal thoughts is "soliloquy."