Read the following scene from Trifles . COUNTY ATTORNEY: Let’s talk about that later, Mr. Hale. I do want to talk about that, but tell now just what happened when you got to the house. HALE: I didn’t hear or see anything; I knocked at the door, and still it was all quiet inside. I knew they must be up, it was past eight o’clock. So I knocked again, and I thought I heard somebody say, “Come in.” I wasn’t sure, I’m not sure yet, but I opened the door—this door (indicating the door by which the two women are still standing), and there in that rocker— (pointing to it ) sat Mrs. Wright. ( They all look at the rocker.) What would be one advantage of watching this scene as opposed to reading it?
Answer
A
The audience would actually watch all of the characters turn to stare at the rocker, which could enhance the mood of the scene.
B
The audience would not have to interpret the setting, which could make the conflict of the story more evident.
C
The audience would actually see what the characters look like, which could alleviate unnecessary mystery.
D
The audience would not have to infer the characters’ moods, which could make the characters seem more genuine.