Pyramus And Thisbe

Question 1

Give examples of language techniques used by Ovid in the passage (Extract 3/Lines 1-13):

Answer 1

• fissus… — talking about the wall, it acts as a symbol for the opposition between Pyramus and Thisbe’s families
• vitium — ironic word choice, the lovers want to find any opportunity to be together and so see the crack/flaw in the wall as a positive thing
• quid non sentit amor? — rhetorical question to highlight Ovid’s point; the couple are so in love that they notice the tiniest crack in the wall, showing how much they want to be near one another
• vocis…iter/murmure minimo — alliteration, shows the tiny whispers of the couple to each other, they had to always meet in secret
• invide obstas — personification of the wall as Pyramus and Thisbe call it jealous and feel angry that it keeps them separated
• ad oscula…pateres — asking the wall to let them kiss, further personification of the wall, but they are not angry at it/they are grateful toward it

Question 2

Give examples of language techniques used by Ovid in the passage (Extract 3/Lines 14-28):

Answer 2

• diversa…loctui — the words diversa and sede are separated on the page, acts as parallel structure to Pyramus and Thisbe’s separation
• tum…statuunt — alliteration showing the lovers whispering and complaining of their situation
• ardua morus — placed at the start of the line to emphasise its importance; this tree is the place that moves the whole story along
• trade…visa — word choice emphasising the slow moving day, makes us feel sympathy for Pyramus and Thisbe as they want to be together very desperately

Question 3

Give examples of language techniques used by Ovid in the passage (Extract 3/Lines 29-34):

Answer 3

• fallitque — word choice of ‘decieved’; shows their relationship and plan is not approved of by their family, the fact they’re doing this without permission adds a layer of suspense and drama
• Use of polysyndeton creates a sense of quickness and movement, adding drama to the extract
• Use of historic presents and infinitives means there is a sense of urgency/immediacy - it feels more action-packed/quick paced
• pervenit — verb placed the beginning of the line to show Thisbe’s eagerness, emphasises her naivety/young age
• caede…rictus — imagery of the viscous lioness with a blood splattered mouth - conveys the danger Thisbe could be in

Question 4

Give examples of language techniques used by Ovid in the passage (Extract 3/Lines 1-9):

Answer 4

• demisit…ferrum — dramatic image of Pyramus thrusting the sword into his chest, helps add tension/shock value to scene
• ferventi…traxit — image of the burning wound; sensory description emphasise how much pain he is in by having the reader image his hurt
• cruor…alte — blood shooting out, imagery to emphasise just how much blood/horse there is at the scene
• cum vitiate…rumpit — comparing wound to weak lead pipe, just as a cracked pipe would continuously spray water, so too is Pyramus literally spouting blood from his wound without stopping
• scinditur…stridente — alliteration ‘s’ sound = blowing blood
• tinguit — ironic word choice; sounds gentle, but the scene is horrible
• arborei…atram — alliteration of ‘a’ sound highlights the changing of the scenery because of there being so much blood now

Question 5

Give examples of language techniques used by Ovid in the passage (Extract 3/Lines 10-18):

Answer 5

• oraque…pallidora — similie comparing Thisbe to boxwood helps the reader picture just how pale she is, shows she is distraught/unwell at the sight of Pyramus
• exhorruit aequoris instar - similie comparing Thisbe’s reaction to the trembling surface of the sea, she’s shaking with shock
• tremebunda membra — word choice, Pyramus’ twitching limbs, showing he is very close to death/this wound is fatal
• pulsare — word choice, writhing limbs (referring to the body) again showing he won’t survive this, his suffering adds to the tragedy

Question 6

Give examples of language techniques used by Ovid in the passage (Extract 3/Lines 19-28):

Answer 6

• percutit…lacertos — hyperbole, Ovid exaggerates the action of the scene, making it more dramatic (Thisbe wailing, screaming)
• amplexaque…amatum — technique to make us feel sad for Thisbe holding Pyramus’ body
• vulnera…miscuit — hyperbole, Thisbe is crying so much her tears mix with his blood