Question

Midsummer Night's Dream
by William Shakespeare

PUCK:

If we shadows have offended,

Think but this, and all is mended:

That you have but slumbered here,

While these visions did appear;

And this weak and idle theme,

No more yielding but a dream,

Gentles, do not reprehend.

If you pardon, we will mend.

And, as I’m an honest Puck,

If we have unearned luck

Now to ’scape the serpent’s tongue,

We will make amends ere long;

Else the Puck a liar call:

So, good night unto you all.

Give me your hands, if we be friends,

And Robin shall restore amends.



From A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

Question
Use the passage to answer the question.

What purpose does Puck’s closing monologue serve?

(1 point)
Responses

The monologue playfully reassures the audience that what they have just seen was all in good fun, and no one got hurt.
The monologue playfully reassures the audience that what they have just seen was all in good fun, and no one got hurt.

The monologue explains in detail what the audience should understand after witnessing the events in the play.
The monologue explains in detail what the audience should understand after witnessing the events in the play.

The monologue explains matter-of-factly why Puck and the other fairies did what they did.
The monologue explains matter-of-factly why Puck and the other fairies did what they did.

The monologue’s serious tone answers any remaining questions the audience might have about what they have just witnessed.
The monologue’s serious tone answers any remaining questions the audience might have about what they have just witnessed.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

The monologue playfully reassures the audience that what they have just seen was all in good fun, and no one got hurt.

Puck's closing monologue serves to lighten the mood, remind the audience that the events of the play were whimsical and fantastical, and encourage them to view the play as a dream rather than a serious tale with real consequences.