How does Shakespeare's diction differ from Ovid's in the treatment of the story of Pyramus and Thisbe?
Shakespeare writes the story using mostly exposition.
Ovid turns the story into a play.
Shakespeare uses diction that draws attention to the story's humor.
Shakespeare uses diction that draws attention to the story's humor.
In terms of diction, Shakespeare's treatment of the story of Pyramus and Thisbe differs from Ovid's in a few key ways. Firstly, Shakespeare's diction is more focused on the comedic elements of the story, using language that draws attention to the humor of the situation. For example, in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Shakespeare exaggerates the melodramatic nature of the characters and their tragic love affair, adding an element of irony that heightens the comedic effect.
Additionally, Shakespeare's diction is more straightforward and expository, presenting the story in a more direct and narrative fashion. In contrast, Ovid transforms the tale of Pyramus and Thisbe into a play within his larger work, "Metamorphoses," using dialogue and dramatic elements to bring the story to life. Ovid's diction is more theatrical and dramatic, reflecting the play format of his narrative.
Overall, while both Shakespeare and Ovid tell the story of Pyramus and Thisbe with their own unique styles and approaches, Shakespeare's diction focuses more on humor and exposition, while Ovid's diction is more theatrical and dramatic in presenting the tale as a play.