Final answer:
The boys' response during the described scene is sympathy, as this was the director's intended reaction, and the context supports this emotional response.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the provided thesis, which suggests that sympathy was the director's intention, the response of the boys behind the speaker during the described scene would be sympathy. This assertion aligns with the idea that the director wanted to evoke a feeling of understanding and compassion from the audience. The reviewer's expectations and the thesis indicate that the production was aimed to elicit a sympathetic response rather than applause, laughter, or silence.