Question

In the play Trifles, what tone is likely revealed by the following stage directions? [With a sigh, (Mrs. Hale) is about to sit down in the rocking-chair. Before she is seated realizes what chair it is; with a slow look at it, steps back. The chair which she has touched rocks back and forth.] A. Mrs. Hale is bothered by the chair and the thought of Mrs. Wright. B. Mrs. Hale is interested in the chair and wishes that she had one like it. C. Mrs. Hale is tired and wants to sit, but the rocking motion would make her sick. D. Mrs. Hale is worried that the men will think she is lazy if she sits in the chair.

Answer 1

The correct answer is A. Mrs. Hale is bothered by the chair and the thought of Mrs. Wright.
She wanted to sit in a chair, but she suddenly realized what chair it was - it was the chair of Mrs. Wright, where she probably spent most of her days wishing she were free from her husband and her life. Seeing this chair made Mrs. Hale think of the other woman and her tragic life which is why she suddenly grew sad.