Question

Read the excerpt from Ovid's "Pyramus and Thisbe".

And when he had found
the bloodstained shawl, he cried: "Now this same night
will see two lovers lose their lives: she was
the one more worthy of long life: it's I
who bear the guilt for this. O my poor girl,
it's I who led you to your death; I said
you were to reach this fearful place by night;
I let you be the first who would arrive.
O all you lions with your lairs beneath
this cliff, come now, and with your fierce jaws feast
upon my wretched guts!
Which statement best describes how the pace of the
excerpt creates tension?
O Pyramus's quick action hurries the plot to his tragic
death.
O Pyramus's quick action hurries the plot to reveal his
crime.
O Pyramus's long speech slows the pace to prolong
suspense.
O Pyramus's long speech slows the pace to taunt the
lioness.

Answer 1

The statement that best describes how the pace of the excerpt creates tension is: "O Pyramus's long speech slows the pace to prolong suspense."

In the excerpt, Pyramus delivers a long speech after finding the bloodstained shawl. This speech slows down the pace of the story, creating a sense of suspense and anticipation. Instead of quickly taking action, Pyramus reflects on his guilt and expresses his remorse for leading Thisbe to her death. The longer Pyramus speaks, the more tension builds as the audience wonders what he will do next and how the situation will unfold. The slow pace of the speech prolongs the suspense and heightens the emotional intensity of the scene.

By emphasizing Pyramus's inner turmoil and his responsibility for the tragic events, the long speech adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, making the reader or audience feel the weight of the impending tragedy. The tension created through the slow pace of the speech keeps the audience engaged and eager to discover the outcome of the story.

Step-by-step explanation: