Final answer:
In 'Sorry, Wrong Number,' the setting plays a key role in emphasizing Mrs. Stevenson's isolation by focusing on her solitude in a confined space, highlighting her separation from the world, and mirroring her emotional state.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the story 'Sorry, Wrong Number' by Lucille Fletcher, the setting underscores Mrs. Stevenson's isolation through descriptions that create a sense of confinement and solitude. The stage directions often mention Mrs. Stevenson's bedroom, the sole location in which the entire drama unfolds. This singular setting, without the presence of any other characters in the space, emphasizes her separation from the world and her inability to interact with others except through the phone, which ironically further highlights her isolation.
The setting is critical as it aids in intensifying the plot tensions, which rise as Mrs. Stevenson becomes increasingly frantic. Her isolation is both physical and emotional, and Fletcher's portrayal of the space around Mrs. Stevenson—such as a dark, quiet house—serves to heighten the sense of danger and vulnerability.
The stage directions in the play don't merely describe a physical space but rather set up an environment that echoes the protagonist's inner turmoil and the play's suspenseful atmosphere. The claustrophobic setting serves as a powerful tool in conveying Mrs. Stevenson's escalating dread and helplessness as the sole occupant of the increasingly menacing space.