Final answer:
Marcia perceives potential anger in others based on their behaviors and underlying psychological indicators such as unease, sarcasm, defensiveness, and mental rehearsals for confrontations. These signs are exhibited through the characters' actions and words in the given excerpts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marcia thinks the other person is close to getting angry due to a combination of observable behaviors and underlying psychological tendencies. In the excerpts provided, characters display signs of unease, sarcasm, and defensiveness that are typical indicators of growing agitation. For instance, Marcus shows clear signs of discomfort and sarcasm, which suggests he is on the edge of anger. Furthermore, characters like Bernice show emotional distress, which also portends potential anger. Beyond direct interactions, we also see internal mental rehearsals where Kaitlin smiles at the thought of retaliating against possible provocations, which is a strong indicator of her defensive nature and readiness for conflict.
These behaviors and mental patterns all hint at a brewing anger. When people feel wronged, slighted, or are mentally preparing for confrontation, it is a clue to their close proximity to anger. Additionally, nuances in conversation, such as Marjorie’s dismissing of Bernice’s feelings and the mocking reference to Indian heritage, indirectly communicate hostility and a possible precursor to more overt anger. Social cues and psychological traits like defensiveness and rehearsal of confrontations are significant in assessing when someone might be close to anger. Social cues, psychological traits, and defensiveness can serve as important indicators for anticipating someone's emotional state, particularly when evaluating the likelihood of anger.