Question

COUNTY ATTORNEY. Let’s talk about that later, Mr. Hale. I do want to talk about that, but tell now just what happened when you got to the house. 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.) What would be one advantage of watching this scene as opposed to reading it? The audience would not have to infer the characters’ moods, which could make the characters seem more genuine. The audience would actually see what the characters look like, which could alleviate unnecessary mystery. The audience would not have to interpret the setting, which could make the conflict of the story more evident. The audience would actually watch all of the characters turn to stare at the rocker, which could enhance the mood of the scene.

Answer 1

Watching the scene rather than reading it provides a visual advantage, allowing the audience to perceive characters' expressions, actions, and the setting for a more immersive understanding. This enhances authenticity, depth, and emotional impact, particularly evident in pivotal moments like characters turning to stare at the rocker in Susan Glaspell's "Trifles."

Watching this scene as opposed to reading it would offer the advantage of visually perceiving the characters' expressions, actions, and the setting, providing a more immersive understanding of the story. In the quoted passage from Susan Glaspell's play "Trifles," the County Attorney and Mr. Hale discuss the discovery of Mrs. Wright in her home. If this scene were enacted on stage or in a film adaptation, the audience would witness the characters' body language, facial expressions, and interactions, gaining insights into their emotions and attitudes.

The advantage lies in the audience not having to infer the characters' moods; instead, they could observe the nuances of the performance. Seeing the characters would add a layer of authenticity and depth to their portrayals, making them appear more genuine. Additionally, visually experiencing the setting and characters' reactions, such as everyone turning to stare at the rocker, would enhance the mood and tension of the scene, creating a more impactful theatrical or cinematic experience.

Watching the scene would provide a visual dimension, allowing the audience to directly witness the characters' emotions, actions, and interactions, leading to a richer and more engaging understanding of the story.