Question

What is most likely the authors’ reason for inserting the following offscreen line (paragraph 20) in Hotel Rwanda?

SOLDIER (O.S.): Where are your papers?
Question 5 options:

A)

They are showing just how sneaky Paul is being with his phone call to Tillens.


B)

They want to show how imminent the threat around Paul is.


C)

They want to steer attention away from Paul’s phone conversation.


D)

They are portraying the soldiers as calm and businesslike.

Answer 1

It is B) They want to show how imminent the threat around Paul is

Answer 2

B) They want to show how imminent the threat around Paul is.

Step-by-step explanation:

An offscreen line is a line of dialogue that is not spoken by a character on-screen, but rather is heard from off-screen. In this case, the line "Where are your papers?" is spoken by a soldier, and is not spoken by a character on-screen. The most likely reason for the authors to include this offscreen line is that they want to show the reader how imminent the threat around Paul is. The line implies that the soldiers are checking people's papers, and this is a sign of danger. The line also draws attention to the fact that Paul is not safe and that he has to be aware of his surroundings at all times. Therefore, this off-screen line is used to create a sense of tension and danger that highlights the urgency of Paul's situation, and the risks he is facing.