The Man Without a Country

Question

by Hackett, Walter (adaptation)

NARRATOR: Fort Massac is a small yet strategic United States Army outpost that stands on the muddy banks of the lower Mississippi River. In this year of 1805, its officers and men are lonely and none too happy about it. But on this particular day the outpost is buzzing with excitement. A famous guest has come to visit—Aaron Burr! Aaron Burr, former Vice-President of the United States, rabid Federalist, master politician, smooth-tongued orator; Aaron Burr, the man who had killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. The Colonel, disappointed that Mr. Burr’s visit will be a brief one, attempts to prolong his stay.

The Man Without a Country, by Edward Everett Hale, adapted by Walter Hackett. leman, by Moliere, adapted by Lewy Olfson. © This play is reprinted from Plays, The Drama Magazine for Young People with the permission of the publisher Plays/Sterling Partners Inc. 897 Washington Street #600160, Newton, MA 02460

Question
Use the passage to answer the question.

Analyze how the playwright develops the tone in this passage. Select the two correct answers.

(1 point)
Responses

The mention of the soldiers’ loneliness and unhappiness creates a depressing backdrop for Aaron Burr’s visit.
The mention of the soldiers’ loneliness and unhappiness creates a depressing backdrop for Aaron Burr’s visit.

The use of an isolated and dreary setting on the banks of the Mississippi River makes the arrival of Aaron Burr seem like a glimmer of hope.
The use of an isolated and dreary setting on the banks of the Mississippi River makes the arrival of Aaron Burr seem like a glimmer of hope.

The mention of the Colonel’s desire to keep Aaron Burr from leaving casts Burr as someone who lifts spirits.
The mention of the Colonel’s desire to keep Aaron Burr from leaving casts Burr as someone who lifts spirits.

The mention of Aaron Burr having killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel focuses on something he is infamous for.
The mention of Aaron Burr having killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel focuses on something he is infamous for.

The choice of adjectives used to describe Aaron Burr casts his personality in an extreme and conniving light.

Answer 1

The playwright develops the tone in this passage through the following two responses:

1. The mention of the soldiers’ loneliness and unhappiness creates a depressing backdrop for Aaron Burr’s visit.

   • This response highlights the overall mood of the scene by emphasizing the bleakness and isolation the soldiers feel, setting a somber stage for Burr's arrival.

2. The mention of Aaron Burr having killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel focuses on something he is infamous for.

   • By bringing up Burr's notorious past, this response contributes to a complex tone, as it suggests both admiration and discomfort surrounding his character, reflecting the mixed feelings about his arrival.

These two aspects help establish a tone that is both somber and complex, underscoring the weight of Burr's reputation against the backdrop of the soldiers' dreary existence.

Answer 2

the 1st one is wrong what is the answer

Answer 3

I apologize for the confusion. If the first response is incorrect, the two correct answers for how the playwright develops the tone in the passage are:

1. The use of an isolated and dreary setting on the banks of the Mississippi River makes the arrival of Aaron Burr seem like a glimmer of hope.

   • This highlights the contrast between the bleakness of the setting and the excitement surrounding Burr’s visit, suggesting a potential uplift in spirits.

2. The mention of the Colonel’s desire to keep Aaron Burr from leaving casts Burr as someone who lifts spirits.

   • This response indicates that the Colonel views Burr positively and sees his presence as beneficial and inspiring, contributing to a more hopeful tone.

Again, I apologize for the oversight, and thank you for your understanding!