Question

In Act V of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Quince presents the prologue for “Pyramus and Thisbe.” When the prologue is over, Theseus says:

His speech was like a tangled chain—nothing impaired, but all disordered.… Which tone does the simile “his speech was like a tangled chain” create?

A. It creates a proud tone, by comparing Quince’s speech to the fancy chain Theseus wears around his neck.

B.It creates a disappointed tone by comparing Quince’s speech to a chain Hippolyta once wore that broke during a fight with Theseus.

C.It creates a frustrated tone, expressing how confused Theseus is by comparing Quince’s speech to a broken necklace tied in knots.

D. It creates a humorous tone by comparing Quince’s speech to something disorganized and hard to follow.

Answer 1

D. It creates a humorous tone by comparing Quince’s speech to something disorganized and hard to follow.

Throughout the whole play at the end of Midsummer, the Athenians remark with comedic statements about the performances of the actors. This is one of the first, showing that Quince doesn't understand the rhythm or punctuation of this speech and it is difficult to understand.