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.
O 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.
O 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 underlined stage direction in the excerpt creates a calm atmosphere by reminding the reader of something that is typically used to pacify or soothe individuals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The underlined stage direction in the excerpt from Trifles affects the mood of the scene by creating a calm atmosphere. The emphasis on the rocker reminds the reader of something that is typically used to pacify or soothe individuals. The presence of the rocker creates a sense of tranquility in contrast to the potential tension and hostility that could be expected in a murder investigation.

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