Narrative Elements in “Pyramus and Thisbe”, from Ovid’s Metamorphoses
Question 4 • MO-English Language Arts 9 B-CR
Which statement best describes how the order of events heightens tension in this passage?If Pyramus had left at the same time as Thisbe, he might have seen that she was not killed by the lion.If the lioness had arrived later, she would have encountered Pyramus rather than Thisbe.If Pyramus had arrived earlier, he would have seen the lion attack Thisbe.If Pyramus and Thisbe had arrived at the same time, they would have encountered the lioness together.
Answer
A
If Pyramus had left at the same time as Thisbe, he might have seen that she was not killed by the lion.
B
If the lioness had arrived later, she would have encountered Pyramus rather than Thisbe.
C
If Pyramus had arrived earlier, he would have seen the lion attack Thisbe.
D
If Pyramus and Thisbe had arrived at the same time, they would have encountered the lioness together.
Explanation
Thisbe reaches the meeting place first, encounters the lioness, and flees; the lioness leaves her veil behind. Pyramus arrives later, sees the damaged veil, and mistakenly believes Thisbe has been killed. If he had left at the same time as Thisbe, he might have arrived in time to learn she was alive, so their mistimed arrivals make the misunderstanding—and the tension—worse. The correct choice is A.
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