Question

Thundermuffs
by Cindy Blobaum

THERESA: I know what I’ll do. I’ll head straight for the porch to watch the clouds build and the lightning flash. I want to get a comfortable chair so I won’t have to sit on the floor.

MOM: (In warning tone): Only if there are no tornado warnings. Remember: “Rain may help our gardens grow, But watch out when the strong winds blow.”

OLIVIA: That’s right. (Recites) “When the tornado sirens sound, You are safest underground.”

RYAN: (Annoyed): We know, we know. (In a singsong voice) And. . .“When lightning flashes you can see, Never stand under a tall tree.”

DAD: It’s good to hear you kids remember all those sayings. We want you to be safe. (Dramatically) I love to see lightning split the sky and feel the floor shake and hear windows rattle from thunder rumbles as much as everyone else in this family. . .(He suddenly notices MITCHELL.) except for—(All heads turn to look at MITCHELL. DAD shakes his head sadly.) We need to do something about that boy. (MITCHELL becomes aware that everyone is looking at him and slowly lowers his book.)

MITCHELL: What? What did I do this time?

STEPHEN (With disgust): You haven’t done anything. . .yet.

THERESA: No, but I’ll bet that at the first sign of a decent thunderstorm, you’ll run to one of your hiding places.

OLIVIA: Like under your bed.

RYAN: Or in a closet.

STEPHEN: Oh, Mitch, aren’t you embarrassed that you hate storms when Storm is your own last name?

MITCHELL (Matter-of-factly): I don’t hate storms. I just like it quiet.

MOM: Now, kids, teasing isn’t going to solve anything. We’re a family. Let’s put our heads together and think of a way to help Mitch feel more comfortable during a storm so he’ll join us on the porch. (As family members get into a huddle, thunder rumbles. MITCHELL looks around and sneaks off to bedroom, where he curls up on the bed.)



Thundermuffs, by Cindy Blobaum © 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

Question
Use the passage to answer the question.

How does the playwright use dramatic elements to enhance the play? Explain your thoughts in 3–5 sentences, using evidence from the passage to support your ideas.

Answer 1

The playwright uses dialogue and stage directions to reveal character and conflict—Dad’s dramatic line about loving lightning and the children’s teasing (“Oh, Mitch, aren’t you embarrassed…”) show the family’s excitement and Mitchell’s outsider status. Sound cues and brief stage directions like “(As family members get into a huddle, thunder rumbles.)” build atmosphere and increase tension. Repeated safety sayings (“When the tornado sirens sound…,” “When lightning flashes you can see…”) highlight the family’s comfort with storms and create ironic contrast with Mitchell’s fear. Small physical actions—Mitchell “sneaks off to bedroom” and “curls up on the bed”—convey his anxiety nonverbally and make the audience sympathize with him.