The Hamlet Project

The second clown is very often portrayed as the stupid one, largely because of moments like this. His repeating of the question is treated like a dummy trying to answer such an easy question.
But the thing is, it is a riddle. It is NOT an easy question and in fact, he HAD an answer, immediately. A good one. He’s quicker than most people I know when answering a riddle.
And isn’t the joy of a riddle getting to tell your surprise answer when the person you’re asking doesn’t get it?
Also – this is a classic repetition.
Everyone who ever tried to answer a riddle in earnest repeats it.