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? It creates a proud tone, by comparing Quince’s speech to the fancy chain Theseus wears around his neck. It creates a frustrated tone, expressing how confused Theseus is by comparing Quince’s speech to a broken necklace tied in knots. It creates a humorous tone by comparing Quince’s speech to something disorganized and hard to follow. It creates a disappointed tone by comparing Quince’s speech to a chain Hippolyta once wore that broke during a fight with Theseus.
It creates a humorous tone by comparing Quince’s speech to something disorganized and hard to follow.
Explanation:
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a comedy. Theseus's comment that "His speech was like a tangled chain -" sets up this comedic play. It also helps the audience to know that they aren't the only ones confused by the prologue. The prologue was supposed to be silly and confusing to help set the humorous tone of the play.
