[Setting: A pioneer kitchen in the 1820s. Mother is kneading bread dough while two children play on the floor by the fire. A baby is in a cradle.] (2) [John comes bursting into the room from outside and slams the door behind him.] (3) John: Oh, Mother, Father has been hurt! A log fell on his leg when he was trying to help the horse get it out of the mud, and he can’t get up. We need your help! (4) [The children stand up suddenly and run to their mother. They cry in dismay. Mother closes her eyes, presses her hands against the counter, and takes a deep breath.] (5) Mother: May heaven help us! Mary, you cover this bread dough with a damp cloth so it doesn’t ruin. Then you mind the baby. And no getting distracted! [She takes the girl’s face in her hands and looks in her eyes.] Can you be a big girl? I need you to help. (6) Mary: Yes, Mother. I’ll mind the baby. (7) Mother: [pulling off her apron as she speaks] And you, Jacob, you mind your sister. Promise now! (8) Jacob: Yes, Mother. (9) [Mother pulls on her boots and coat, which the older boy, John, is holding open for her.] (10) Mother: What tools can we take from the barn to help, John? (11) John: [as he closes the door behind them] We already have all the tools by the creek, in the wagon. (12) [Mother pops her head in one last time, surveying the children, who look frightened, and have not moved.] (13) Mother: Be good, children. We will be back soon.

Question

What purpose does the dialogue serve in the passage? Choose three that apply. a. It moves the plot forward. b. It describes the setting of the play. c. It summarizes the characters’ background. d. It offers commentary about the country’s situation. e. It shows how characters interact with each other. 2. How does the dialogue help to reveal Mother’s character? a. Her focus on her family reveals that she is warm and generous. b. The way she responds to a crisis reveals that she is organized and levelheaded. c. The series of commands she gives reveals that she is strict and mean. d. The discussion with her children reveals that she is an anxious person. 3. Reread this excerpt from the play. Mother: [pulling off her apron as she speaks] And you, Jacob, you mind your sister. Promise now! Which part of the excerpt above is an example of a stage direction? a. Mother: b. [pulling off her apron as she speaks] c. And you, Jacob, you mind your sister. d. Promise now! 4. What information in the play can be learned only in the stage directions? Choose three that apply. a. The family’s father is in trouble. b. The play takes place during the 1820s. c. The oldest boy was out with his father. d. The children are upset and frightened. e. Mother is wearing an apron.

Answer 1

1. The purpose of the dialogue serves three applicable options:
   a. It moves the plot forward.
   e. It shows how characters interact with each other.
   c. It summarizes the characters’ background.

2. The dialogue helps to reveal Mother’s character:
   b. The way she responds to a crisis reveals that she is organized and levelheaded.

3. The part of the excerpt that is an example of a stage direction:
   b. [pulling off her apron as she speaks]

4. The information in the play that can be learned only in the stage directions includes three applicable options:
   b. The play takes place during the 1820s.
   d. The children are upset and frightened.
   e. Mother is wearing an apron.