The stage directions in these lines most clearly perform the function of (d) revealing characters’ emotions. They show the urgency and concern of John when he bursts into the room, as well as the dismay of the children and the mother's response to the troubling news about their father. The physical actions of the characters, such as John's slamming the door and the children's crying in dismay, convey their emotional state.
[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.
5. Reread the lines from the passage. Then answer the question that follows. [John comes bursting into the room from outside and slams the door behind him.] 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! [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.] What function do the stage directions most clearly perform in these lines? a. They reveal a hidden truth. b. They reassure the audience. c. They describe the characters’ physical appearance. d. They reveal characters’ emotions.
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