Opening night of Lincoln School’s annual Shakespeare play had finally arrived. Fay breezed into the auditorium, confident that her performance would be flawless. The Missouri girl had spent the past six weeks training with an English vocal coach. She had rehearsed her lines every night without fail, and had sailed through multiple dress rehearsals. Now was the time to transform into Juliet, like a plain moth becoming a striking indigo butterfly. She donned her elaborate costume and stepped on stage, shrieking as she lost her footing and tumbled into the audience.

Question

Opening night of Lincoln School’s annual Shakespeare play had finally arrived. Fay breezed into the auditorium, confident that her performance would be flawless. The Missouri girl had spent the past six weeks training with an English vocal coach. She had rehearsed her lines every night without fail, and had sailed through multiple dress rehearsals. Now was the time to transform into Juliet, like a plain moth becoming a striking indigo butterfly. She donned her elaborate costume and stepped on stage, shrieking as she lost her footing and tumbled into the audience.

Questions
What impact does the author’s use of simile have on the tone of the passage?

By comparing Juliet to a “Hollywood star,” the author evokes a confident, passionate tone.

By comparing Juliet to “a plain moth becoming a butterfly,” the author creates an inspired, rapturous tone.

By comparing Juliet to a “Shakespeare play,” the author creates a reverent, respectful tone.

By comparing Juliet to “a plain moth becoming a butterfly,” the author evokes an inspired tone, turned humorous when her pride takes a fall.

Answer 1

The author's use of simile in comparing Juliet to "a plain moth becoming a striking indigo butterfly" creates an inspired and uplifting tone. This comparison suggests a dramatic transformation or evolution, hinting at Juliet's potential to shine and captivate like a beautiful butterfly. However, the tone shifts to humor and irony when Juliet's confidence is undercut by her fall on stage, adding an unexpected twist to the passage. Overall, the use of simile enhances the complexity and depth of the scene, blending elements of inspiration and comedy.

Answer 2

What impact does the author’s use of simile have on the tone of the passage?

By comparing Juliet to a “Hollywood star,” the author evokes a confident, passionate tone.

By comparing Juliet to “a plain moth becoming a butterfly,” the author creates an inspired, rapturous tone.

By comparing Juliet to a “Shakespeare play,” the author creates a reverent, respectful tone.

By comparing Juliet to “a plain moth becoming a butterfly,” the author evokes an inspired tone, turned humorous when her pride takes a fall.

Answer 3

By comparing Juliet to "a plain moth becoming a butterfly," the author creates an inspired, rapturous tone. This comparison suggests growth, transformation, and beauty, setting a tone of optimism and potential for Juliet's performance. However, the tone is also turned humorous when Juliet's fall on stage adds an unexpected twist, adding a touch of irony to the passage. Overall, the use of this simile enhances the initial sense of inspiration and later adds a comedic element to the scene.