Question

read the background information and excerpt below.
in this opening scene, robert is preparing for a journey at sea with his uncle. he dreams of leaving his family farm to seek adventure. before his departure, he expresses his feelings of affection to his longtime neighbor, ruth, and she explains that she has also secretly loves him.
beyond the horizon
by eugene oneill (excerpt)
robert (the expression of bewilderment giving way to one of overwhelming joy.) do you mean that—that you love me?
ruth (sobbing) yes, yes—of course i do—what dyou spose? (she lifts up her head and looks into his eyes with a tremulous smile) ive loved you right along.
robert (mystified) but you and andy were always together!
ruth because you never seemed to want to go any place with me. you were always reading an old book and not paying any attention to me. i was too proud to let you see i cared because i thought the year you had away to college had made you stuck - up, and you thought yourself too educated to waste any time on me
robert and i was thinking—— (with a laugh) what fools weve both been!
3
select the correct answer.
what is the function of the stage directions in the passage?
a. to give the actors directions for how to react in the scene
b. to give the actors directions for where to move on the stage
c. to explain how the background scenery should look on the stage
d. to explain when the actors should enter the scene

Explanation:

Stage directions like "(The expression of bewilderment giving way to one of overwhelming joy)", "(sobbing)", etc., tell actors how to react emotionally and physically in the scene. They don't focus on movement on stage, background scenery, or actor - entry times.

Answer:

A. to give the actors directions for how to react in the scene