by Cindy BlobaumRYAN: I’ll look behind the curtains. (Goes into living room, starts to move curtains aside)DAD: Hmm. (Looks under bed) He’s not under his bed. Where could he be?RYAN (Quietly; to himself): Well, I’ll be. . . (Puts curtains back in place, then shouts) Mom! Dad! Everyone. Come here! I’ve found him! (Everyone rushes into living room.)ALL (Ad lib): Where is he? I don’t see him. Is he still scared? (Etc.)RYAN (Proudly): Look! (Throws open the curtains. MITCHELL is sitting on the porch, his back to the family, earmuffs over his ears.)MOM (Shaking her head): I don’t believe it!STEPHEN: Would you look at that!OLIVIA: He figured it out for himself! (Family files out the door to the porch. MITCHELL turns and notices them.)MITCHELL (Lifting up one side of earmuffs): I don’t mind a good storm. I just like it quiet. (Large crack of thunder is heard.)DAD: All right, everybody—inside! It’s not safe to be out here during an electrical storm. We’ll enjoy the show from the comfort—and safety—of the living room. (Another large crack of thunder is heard and family ad libs excited chatter and laughter as curtain falls.)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 02460QuestionUse the excerpt to answer the question.In 1–2 sentences, explain a conclusion that can be drawn about the play based on the structure of this excerpt.

Answer 1

The structure of this excerpt suggests that the play focuses on family dynamics and the different ways individuals handle fear, particularly in a storm, as seen through Mitchell's desire for quiet and the family's collective concern for his safety. The playful yet tense atmosphere highlights the themes of communication and support within a family.