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 not have to infer the characters’ moods, which could make the characters seem more genuine.
B
The audience would actually see what the characters look like, which could alleviate unnecessary mystery.
C
The audience would not have to interpret the setting, which could make the conflict of the story more evident.
D
The audience would actually watch all of the characters turn to stare at the rocker, which could enhance the mood of the scene.
Explanation
Watching the scene lets the audience see the characters turn toward the rocker as the stage direction describes. That shared movement can build suspense and draw attention to the chair, enhancing the scene’s mood. The correct choice is “The audience would actually watch all of the characters turn to stare at the rocker, which could enhance the mood of the scene.”
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