Read the following scene from Trifles.

Question

MRS. PETERS. But I’m awful glad you came with me, Mrs. Hale. It would be lonesome of me sitting here alone.

MRS. HALE. It would, wouldn’t it? (Dropping her sewing). But I tell you what I do wish, Mrs. Peters. I wish I had come over sometimes she was here. I— (Looking around the room.)—wish I had.

MRS. PETERS. But of course you were awful busy, Mrs. Hale—your house and your children.

MRS. HALE. I could’ve come. I stayed away because it weren’t cheerful—and that’s why I ought to have come. I—I’ve never liked this place. Maybe because it’s down in a hollow, and you don’t see the road. I dunno what it is, but it’s a lonesome place and always was. I wish I had come over to see Minnie Foster sometimes. I can see now—(Shakes her head.)

How would a film version most likely emphasize the women’s emotions during this scene?
by focusing on the lighting in the background
by focusing on the different props being used
by focusing on the women’s varied costumes
by focusing on the women’s facial expressions

Answer 1

In a film version of this scene from Trifles, the emphasis on the women’s emotions would most likely be achieved by focusing on the women’s facial expressions. Facial expressions are a powerful way to convey subtle feelings and inner conflicts, allowing the audience to connect with the characters' emotions of regret, isolation, and empathy.

While other elements such as lighting, props, and costumes can enhance the overall atmosphere, the nuances in the women’s expressions would be crucial in capturing their emotional states and the context of their dialogue.

Answer 2

Read the following scene from Trifles.

COUNTY ATTORNEY. You mean that they didn’t get on very well?

MRS. HALE. No, I don’t mean anything. But I don’t think a place’d be any cheerfuller for John Wright’s being in it.

COUNTY ATTORNEY. I’d like to talk more of that a little later. I want to get the lay of things upstairs now. (He goes to the left, where three steps lead to a stair door.)

SHERIFF. I suppose anything Mrs. Peters does’ll be all right. She was to take in some clothes for her, you know, and a few little things. We left in such a hurry yesterday.

COUNTY ATTORNEY. Yes, but I would like to see what you take, Mrs. Peters, and keep an eye out for anything that might be of use to us.

What is one possible advantage of hearing the characters’ voices as opposed to silently reading the scene?
Hearing allows listeners to interpret the body language of each of the characters.
Hearing allows listeners to understand the thoughts of each of the characters.
Hearing allows listeners to associate a voice with each of the characters.
Hearing allows listeners to focus on the actions of each of the characters.

Answer 3

One possible advantage of hearing the characters’ voices as opposed to silently reading the scene is that hearing allows listeners to associate a voice with each of the characters.

When audiences listen to the characters, they not only get a sense of the dialogue but also the tone, emotion, and personality each voice conveys. This auditory experience can enhance the understanding of the characters and their relationships with one another, making their interactions more vivid and relatable.

Answer 4

What is one advantage of reading a play as opposed to watching or listening to it?
Readers can actually view the characters’ costumes.
Readers can review scenes and dialogue.
Readers do not have to visualize characters.
Readers do not have to interpret stage directions.

Answer 5

One advantage of reading a play as opposed to watching or listening to it is that readers can review scenes and dialogue.

Reading allows individuals to go back and reread specific parts of the text, which can deepen their understanding of the characters, themes, and plot development. This ability to pause and reflect on the dialogue and action at their own pace can enhance comprehension and appreciation of the work.

Answer 6

Read the following scene from Trifles.

SHERIFF (chuckling). Married to the law. (Moves toward the other room.) I just want you to come in here a minute, George. We ought to take a look at these windows.

COUNTY ATTORNEY (scoffingly). Oh, windows!

SHERIFF. We’ll be right out, Mr. Hale.
(Hale goes outside. The Sheriff follows the County Attorney into the other room. Then Mrs. Hale rises, hands tight together, looking intensely at Mrs. Peters, whose eyes take a slow turn, finally meeting Mrs. Hale’s. A moment Mrs. Hale holds her, then her own eyes point the way to where the box is concealed. Suddenly Mrs. Peters throws back quilt pieces and tries to put the box in the bag she is wearing. It is too big. She opens box, starts to take the bird out, cannot touch it, goes to pieces, stands there helpless. Sound of a knob turning in the other room. Mrs. Hale snatches the box and puts it in the pocket of her big coat. Enter County Attorney and Sheriff.)

COUNTY ATTORNEY (facetiously). Well, Henry, at least we found out that she was not going to quilt it. She was going to—what is it you call it, ladies!

MRS. HALE (her hand against her pocket). We call it—knot it, Mr. Henderson.

What changes might a director or screenwriter make to the original version of this scene in order to best emphasize the mood?
cut dialogue from the scene to make it a more appropriate length
update the setting to appeal to a more modern-day audience
omit the actions of the characters to avoid confusion and chaos
include the use of lighting, camera angles, and sound effects

Answer 7

To best emphasize the mood in this scene, a director or screenwriter might choose to include the use of lighting, camera angles, and sound effects.

These elements can significantly enhance the emotional weight of the moment, highlighting the tension and the inner turmoil of the characters, especially as Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters react to the situation involving the hidden box and the dead bird. Strategic lighting can create a more dramatic atmosphere, while camera angles can focus on the expressions of the characters to convey their feelings. Sound effects can also heighten the sense of urgency and emotional conflict within the scene. Using these techniques effectively would bring the themes and emotions to the forefront for the audience.