Question

read the following scene from trifles.
mrs. hale (abruptly moving toward her.) mrs. peters?
mrs. peters. yes mrs. hale? (at upstage right door.)
mrs. hale. do you think she did it?
mrs. peters (in a frightened voice.) oh, i dont know.
what is one possible advantage of hearing the characters voices as opposed to silently reading the scene?
○ it helps readers visualize what each woman is wearing.
○ it helps listeners keep track of which woman is speaking.
○ it helps listeners envision the movements of each woman.
○ it helps readers conclude what each woman is thinking.

Explanation:

• Option 1: Hearing voices doesn't relate to visualizing clothing, so this is incorrect.
• Option 2: When hearing characters' voices, listeners can distinguish who is speaking (e.g., Mrs. Hale's abrupt tone, Mrs. Peters' frightened voice), which helps track speakers. This is a valid advantage.
• Option 3: Voices don't help envision movements; stage directions or descriptions would do that, so this is incorrect.
• Option 4: Voices don't directly reveal thoughts; inferring thoughts requires analyzing dialogue/content, not just hearing voices, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

B. It helps listeners keep track of which woman is speaking.