Question

How does the structure of the play—particularly the use of flashback and shifts in setting—affect the development of the plot?


It creates suspense by delaying the explanation of Eli’s frantic behavior until after the audience sees the park bench scene.


It emphasizes Josie’s perspective by showing her thoughts through monologues before Eli’s story begins.


It limits the audience’s understanding by keeping the old man’s identity hidden until the very end of the play.


It speeds up the resolution by presenting all three wishes in chronological order without interruption.

Answer 1

It creates suspense by delaying the explanation of Eli’s frantic behavior until after the audience sees the park bench scene.

The flashbacks and scene shifts withhold key backstory, so the audience first experiences the consequences and must wait as the plot moves back to reveal what caused Eli’s state—building mystery and tension.