The Man Without a Country

Question

by Hackett, Walter (adaptation)

PROSECUTOR: To sum up my case as prosecutor on this board of court martial: Gentlemen, I accuse the defendant, Lieutenant Philip Nolan, of the crime of treason against the United States of America. He is guilty of actively abetting the most odious political plot in the entire history of our beloved country. (Loudly) I tell you we have not seen his kind since the days of the infamous Benedict Arnold.

DEFENSE COUNSEL: Objection!

JUDGE: Objection overruled.

DEFENSE: But, sir, I can present conclusive evidence that will prove that Philip Nolan—

PROSECUTOR (Interrupting): There is not a bit of doubt that Philip Nolan knowingly entered into a clandestine agreement with Aaron Burr to undermine the safety of his own native land. You have heard me question him concerning his dealings with Burr. And what has been his reply? That he is under oath to say nothing of what transpired between them.

DEFENSE: Objection!

JUDGE: Objection overruled.

PROSECUTOR: And why did Philip Nolan sell his soul? For the empty promises of an egotistical dreamer who promised him money and fame. That is why Philip Nolan broke the oath of fidelity to our country that he took at the time of his enlistment.

NOLAN (Shouting): You’re a liar! (Sound of gavel is heard.)

JUDGE: I might warn the prisoner that any such further remarks might result in adversely swaying the members of this board of court martial. The prosecution may proceed.

PROSECUTOR: I simply repeat what is obvious: Lieutenant Nolan should be adjudged guilty.

JUDGE: Has the defense anything to say?

DEFENSE: Sir, Lieutenant Nolan wishes to speak for himself.

JUDGE: Proceed.

NOLAN (Quietly): For two days I have sat here and listened as the charges have piled up against me. I have heard the prosecution deliberately distort every statement, every answer I gave.

PROSECUTOR: I object.

JUDGE: Sustained.

NOLAN: I readily admit that I listened to Burr’s offer to join him.

PROSECUTOR: Then why didn’t you come forward and unmask him?

NOLAN: Because I was under oath to him to say nothing.

DEFENSE: I object. Lieutenant Nolan is not now being cross-examined. I request the court that he be allowed to finish uninterrupted.

JUDGE: Continue, Mr. Nolan.

NOLAN: I swear that I rejected Burr’s offer, but I realize that in any court of justice it is possible for an innocent man to be falsely accused of the wrongs done by others. (In a rising voice) For the past two weeks I have seen other officers—men guilty of the same crime I allegedly committed—go free. Free because this board wishes to find them free.

VOICES (Ad lib): Liar! That isn’t true! Traitor! (Etc.)

JUDGE: Silence! This court will come to order! (After a pause) Are you finished, Mr. Nolan?

NOLAN (Passionately): No! I know well what the verdict will be. I know I will be made an example of the fate in store for others.

JUDGE: Mr. Nolan, I believe it has been easily established that you have been unfaithful to your country, that you have committed against the United States—

NOLAN (Angrily): Damn the United States! I wish I may never hear of the United States again!

NARRATOR: Lieutenant Nolan’s heated statement caused a stir in the courtroom. When the judge and the board of court martial conferred to make their decision regarding Lieutenant Nolan, there was no question in anyone’s mind what the verdict would be.

The Man Without a Country, by Edward Everett Hale, adapted by Walter Hackett. leman, by Moliere, adapted by Lewy Olfson. © This play is reprinted from Plays, The Drama Magazine for Young People with the permission of the publisher Plays/Sterling Partners Inc. 897 Washington Street #600160, Newton, MA 02460



Use the scene to answer the question.

How does the playwright develop the mood in this scene?

Select the two correct answers.

(1 point)
Responses

The narrator’s lines at the end of the scene are foreboding.
The narrator’s lines at the end of the scene are foreboding.

The stage directions in the scene depict the characters’ emotions running high.
The stage directions in the scene depict the characters’ emotions running high.

The scene feels crowded with a lot of characters.
The scene feels crowded with a lot of characters.

The dialogue in the scene is fast paced with a lot of exclamations.
The dialogue in the scene is fast paced with a lot of exclamations.

The courtroom setting provides a formal backdrop to the scene.

Answer 1

The playwright develops the mood in this scene through the following two correct answers:

1. The narrator’s lines at the end of the scene are foreboding. - This contributes to a sense of impending doom regarding Lieutenant Nolan's fate and establishes a bleak atmosphere.

2. The stage directions in the scene depict the characters’ emotions running high. - The directions indicate heightened tensions, with characters shouting and reacting passionately, which enhances the emotional intensity of the scene.

These elements together create a dramatic and tense mood, emphasizing the stakes of the court martial and Nolan's predicament.