Question

SETTING: Claire's house, Friday morning. Claire's mother is getting ready to leave home.

Scene 1
CLAIRE'S MOTHER: Claire, dear! I'm so happy. You received the highest scores on the school exams! The principal just called me.
CLAIRE: Yes mom, I did it! All those hours of hard work didn't let me down. (Hugs her mother, with tears in her eyes.)
CLAIRE'S MOTHER: I've got more good news, darling. The college you applied to has offered you a scholarship. I've got the letter right here. Your principal said that with the scores you earned, you will probably receive similar offers from different schools.
CLAIRE: Really? Wow! Thank you, Mom! I couldn't have done this without you!

How do the stage directions add to the scene?
A.
They help the audience understand the setting.
B.
They help the audience understand the plot.
C.
They show how happy Claire feels.
D.
They show how Claire's mother thinks.

Answer 1

Stage directions provide key details about actions, settings, and emotions that enhance the storytelling and help actors bring their characters to life in a play.

Step-by-step explanation:

The stage directions in a play are essential as they add depth and clarity to the performance by providing information about the characters' actions, settings, and emotional states beyond what is conveyed through dialogue. For example, when the stage direction reads (Hugs her mother, with tears in her eyes.), it shows the audience how Claire's character feels—her happiness and gratitude. Moreover, descriptions of the setting and actions such as (who is good for little more) and (kicking the Edge Vine out of her way, drawing deep breaths, smiling) give the actors guidance on how to express their characters' emotions and contribute to the storytelling by showing what the characters are doing rather than just what they are saying.