Answers with Explanation:
1. After reading the first section of the play, what does the phrase "querulous, self-centered neurotic" means about Mrs. Stevenson?
The phrase clearly describes Mrs. Stevenson as somebody who had the habit of complaining. As seen on the play, she complained several times about the murder plot she heard over the phone while she was trying to connect with her husband. She couldn't understand why it was hard to trace the call and complained endlessly to the operator.
2. What evidence points toward the beginning of a conflict or problem within the story?
An evidence which points toward the beginning of the story's conflict was when Mrs. Stevenson overheard a murder plot while she was trying to connect to her husband's office. This started the conflict which was followed by Mrs. Stevenson calling the operator again.
3. What do the stage directions about Mrs. Stevenson reveal about how she feels?
Mrs. Stevenson felt scared about the murder plot and this can be seen by her lines in the story and how she reacted to the operator. It also shows her anger that the murder plot she heard couldn't be traced and the polcie didn't mind at all. She even called the operator "s.tupid" which made the operator slam the phone.
4. What is the impact on the story of Duffy's actions and tone in lines 337-329?
<em>*not sure where the lines are*</em>
<em> </em>Duffy's action and tone are calm because he was a sergeant. It provides an air-breather when it comes to the story line. Finally, Mrs. Stevenson was able to air out her concern about the murder plot which she overheard and someone was listening to her.
5. Summarize what Mrs. Stevenson is revealing to Duffy and the audience.
Mrs. Stevenson is revealing to the audience that her husband loves her very much because she mentioned that he adores her and always awaits for her. It also shows her character of being self-centered.
6. What does the word invalid mean as it is used in this phrase?
"Invalid" means that <em>Mrs. Stevenson was incapable of going anywhere or doing things because she was sick.</em> She couldn't leave her bed that's why the phone is just right beside her.
7. What new problem does Mrs. Stevenson encounter and what effect does it have on her as a character?
Mrs. Stevenson heard a "click" while she was talking to the operator. This shows her attitude as<u> being meticulous</u> that she could spot small sound or details. She felt that the sound came from the extension line downstairs.
8. Cite text evidence that shows how the play increases tension in this section.
<em>"AGNES: But I did! There's someone in this house -- someone downstairs -- in the kitchen -- and they're listening to me now. They’re list…"</em>
This text is an evidence that the tension starts to increases again because Mrs. Stevenson is starting to panic and believe that someone is actually inside the house with her.
9. Why is this statement ironic given the events in the play?
It's ironic because George was the man whom Agnes heard over the phone. This means that he was the one who killed Agnes, thus when Agnes died and was trying to call the Police Department, George answered the call that he dialed a wrong number.