Characters

Question

HUNTER, an eighth grade student
HALEY, Hunter’s twin sister
MATT, Hunter and Haley’s best friend
MS. SUSAN CARPENTER, Hunter’s mom
MR. JACOB CARPENTER, Hunter’s grandfather

SCENE 1

[Curtain opens to a patio. Jacob is shaking out his hiking backpack over a trash can. Haley is rocking in an old chair, playing a game on her cell phone. Susan is relaxing in a wicker chair, reading on her tablet. The sun is playing hide and seek with the clouds. Hunter and Matt enter.]

MATT: [Looks at everyone and speaks shyly] Hi!

JACOB: [Raises his head to look at Matt and speaks cheerily] Hello there! So, Hunter talked you into it?

[Both Haley and Susan look up.]

HALEY: For real? Did you, Hunt?

HUNTER: [Glares at Haley] So kind of you to bless my morning!

SUSAN: [Closes her tablet and walks up to Hunter and Matt] Well, Matt, you are here, so, [Looks at Jacob] Dad, why don’t you ask him?

[Hunter rolls his eyes, Haley looks on with excitement, and Matt appears clueless.]

MATT: [Approaches Jacob timidly] Umm. . . ask me what, Mr. Carpenter?

JACOB: How would you like to go on a day-hike on the mountainside along the Berthoud Pass?

HUNTER: [Hunter leans toward Matt and mutters under his breath] Matt, how would you like your phone taken away from you for the whole day? [Looks at Jacob and speaks in a normal voice] That’s more like it, Gramps!

JACOB: [Laughs heartily] Hunter, I won’t take away your phone. I only ask you to keep it inside your backpack so that you are not distracted from enjoying pristine outdoors.

SUSAN: [Shakes her head and walks back to the chair] Dad, Good luck convincing him! It’d make me happy as a clam at high tide.

HALEY: [Opens a bag of chips and noisily eats] Gramps, just let it go. I would rather watch a cool movie than explore some weird wilderness. [Looks at Matt for approval] More importantly, what if I miss a text from my friends?

HUNTER: [High fives Haley] Exactly my point, Hal! I can’t be bored to death without my cell phone.

SUSAN: [Looks up from her tablet and ponders for a few seconds] Gramps will let you take pictures to share with your friends later. [Looks at Jacob] Won’t you, Dad?

JACOB: Of course! It will be worthwhile to stay off social media for a few hours, but you can take lots of pictures.

[Jacob walks over to the table, picks up a backpack with Hunter’s name printed on it, and starts cleaning it with a scrubbing brush that protests loudly with each stroke.]

HUNTER: [Shrugs his shoulders] I don’t care. I have a ton of homework this weekend.

JACOB: [Walks over to Hunter and puts his arm over his shoulders] I care. [Chuckles] That’s why I have planned this getaway for the spring break.

MATT: [Folds his arms on his chest and hesitates before speaking] I... I mean... I think it’s kinda cool to put away the phone for a while. Don’t cha think, Hal? [Looks at Haley for approval]

HUNTER and HALEY: [Together] What???

HALEY: [Quickly puts down her cell phone and strides over to Matt] Matt, seriously? You mean it? I thought you didn’t care! Do you really want to go? [Clasps her hands] I am with you!

HUNTER: [Looks at the duo, confused] What’s going on, Matt? Hal?

MATT: [Unfolds his arms and declares confidently] Mr. Carpenter, I am in for the hike if you will have me.

JACOB: [Stops brushing down the backpack and looks at Matt] Yes, son. I want you to come. It will be quite an adventure, I promise. [Lifts his chin up, closes his eyes, and inhales deeply] Fresh air is to the mind as spring showers are to the tree, both refreshing and nourishing.

[Haley and Matt stare at Hunter, who now appears to be half-moved by the argument.]

HALEY: Oh, come on, Hunt! Don’t be such a stuck-up. [Turns to Susan] Mom?

HUNTER: [Ignores Haley and fist-bumps Matt] YOLO, man! I am cool. It beats whatever Snob Bob is doing in his break.

SUSAN: [Breaths a sigh of relief and smiles broadly] So, it’s settled.

HALEY: [Gasps and sputters in an excited tone] Oh, Mom, what should I wear on the hike? I’ll need new hiking boots. There’ll still be some snow on the trails. I better start packing now!

[Haley hurriedly opens the door and disappears as Susan smiles and looks at Jacob.]

JACOB: [Leans closer to Susan and whispers] It was just a speed bump called peer pressure, not a roadblock.

[Susan winks at Jacob, and both chuckle softly.]

[Curtain closes.]

Read paragraph 34.

JACOB: [Leans closer to Susan and whispers] It was just a speed bump called peer pressure, not a roadblock.

What do the stage directions and dialogue convey about Jacob?
Responses
A He is excellent at solving problems.He is excellent at solving problems.
B He can get people to agree with him.He can get people to agree with him.
C He has been optimistic all along.He has been optimistic all along.
D He is a gentle and soft-spoken man.

Answer 1

The correct response is C. He has been optimistic all along.

The dialogue in which Jacob refers to peer pressure as a "speed bump" rather than a "roadblock" conveys his positive and optimistic outlook on the situation. He sees the challenges the kids face as temporary obstacles that can be overcome, reflecting a hopeful perspective.