9.1: Trifles: The Rise of Modern Feminism on the Stage, Part 1
Question 7 • (OC27) ENG 4-1001400-S2-VRobinson-VOL7006P
Read the excerpt from part one of Trifles.HALE. Well, my first thought was to get that rope off. I looked . . . (Stops, his face twitches.) . . . but Harry, he went up to him, and he said, “No, he’s dead all right, and we’d better not touch anything.”How does the use of the word “twitches” in the stage direction most affect this scene?
Answer
A
It characterizes Hale as someone who is weak and cannot handle difficult aspects of the job.
B
It emphasizes the fact that death is a difficult subject for Mr. Hale and causes him discomfort.
C
It hints to the reader that Hale may have somehow been involved and is acting out of guilt.
D
It reveals to the reader that Hale is extremely upset because he and Mr. Wright were very close.
Explanation
The stage direction says Hale’s face “twitches” as he recalls seeing the dead man, showing a physical reaction to the memory. This emphasizes that death and the scene he witnessed make him uncomfortable. It does not suggest guilt or a close friendship with Mr. Wright.
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