CHILDREN: Open it! Everyone be quiet! Do, Annie! She’s opening it. Ssh!

(A settling of silence while ANNIE unwraps it. The present is a pair of smoked glasses, and she stands still.)

Is it open, Annie?

ANNIE: It’s open.

—The Miracle Worker,
William Gibson

The stage directions explain that Annie should stand still after opening her gift. What is this most likely meant to show the audience?

She is moved by the gift.
She does not like the gift.
She is happy to leave.
She will miss the children.

1 answer

The stage directions indicating that Annie stands still after opening her gift most likely show that she is moved by the gift. This moment of stillness can convey a range of emotions, including surprise, appreciation, or a moment of reflection, suggesting that the gift holds significant meaning for her.