Shakespeare's diction differs from Ovid's in the treatment of the story of Pyramus and Thisbe primarily in that Shakespeare uses diction that draws attention to the story’s humor. In "A Midsummer Night's Dream," the play-within-a-play format allows for a comedic take on the tragic tale, emphasizing the absurdity and melodrama of the characters through humorous language and exaggerated performances. In contrast, Ovid's narrative in "Metamorphoses" approaches the story with a more straightforward and serious tone, focusing on the tragic elements without the same comedic flair.
Midsummer Night's Dream
by William Shakespeare
SCENE II. The Same. A Room in a Cottage
Enter QUINCE, SNUG, BOTTOM, FLUTE, SNOUT and STARVELING.
QUINCE.
Is all our company here?
1 of 24
The Metamorphoses
by Ovid
BOOK THE FIFTH.
FABLE I.
While Perseus is continuing the relation of the adventures of Medusa, Phineus, to whom Andromeda has been previously promised in marriage, rushes into the palace, with his adherents, and attacks his rival. A furious combat is the consequence, in which Perseus gives signal proofs of his valor. At length, perceiving himself likely to be overpowered by the number of his enemies, he shows them the head of the Gorgon; on which Phineus and his followers are turned into statues of stone. After this victory, he takes Andromeda with him to Argos, his native city, where he turns the usurper Prœtus into stone, and re-establishes his grandfather Acrisius on the throne.
1 of 26
Question
Use the passages to answer the question.
How does Shakespeare’s diction differ from Ovid’s in the treatment of the story of Pyramus and Thisbe?
(1 point)
Responses
Ovid turns the story into a play.
Ovid turns the story into a play.
Shakespeare writes the story using mostly exposition.
Shakespeare writes the story using mostly exposition.
Ovid uses diction that draws attention to the story’s humor.
Ovid uses diction that draws attention to the story’s humor.
Shakespeare uses diction that draws attention to the story’s humor.
1 answer
1 answer