Question

Read the excerpt from part one of Trifles.

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.)
How does the underlined stage direction affect the mood of the scene?
O The emphasis on the rocker creates a tense mood as everyone is reminded of where Mrs. Wright calmly sat as she
discussed her dead husband.
The emphasis on the rocker creates a hostile mood as the characters envision Mrs. Wright and the lack of emotion
she showed as she sat rocking.
O The emphasis on the rocker creates a calm mood as the reader is reminded of something that is typically used to
pacify or soothe individuals.
The emphasis on the rocker creates a warm mood as the reader becomes focused on something that is often
associated with fond memories.

Answer 1

The stage direction in the excerpt creates a calm mood by emphasizing the rocker and its pacifying qualities.

Step-by-step explanation:

The underlined stage direction in the excerpt from part one of Trifles affects the mood of the scene by creating a calm atmosphere. The emphasis on the rocker serves as a reminder of something that is typically used to pacify or soothe individuals. In this context, it contrasts with the tension and hostility that may be expected due to the discussion of Mrs. Wright's dead husband.

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