Reading L16: Understanding Literary Structure

p. 291 Q1.

Why did the playwright most likely include stage directions in line 2?

• A. to give details about who the characters are

• B. to let the audience know who stole the Ming vase

• C. to explain that the play is set in the music room of a wealthy woman's mansion.

• D. to describe the setting and events that happen before he first actor's line.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is D. The playwright uses the lengthy stage direction in line 2 to explain everything from the setting to the action that leads to the first line of dialogue.

A is incorrect because the characters are introduced in line 1, not line 2.

B isn't revealed until the end of Act Three.

C is only a small part of the purpose of the lengthy stage direction, not the reason why the playwright included it.

p. 291 Q2.

The playwright used the event of the concert in Act One to set up events for Act Two and Act Three. Why did the playwright most likely do this?

• A. to explain to the audience why Fenwick Barnes fell asleep

• B. to describe the value of, and interest in, the Ming moonflask

• C. to describe why Lady Milton thinks Fenwick Barnes is a great detective

• D. to describe a theory about how sound vibrations can make things fall.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is B. The concert provides an opportunity for the playwright to introduce the Ming vase, describe its great value, and show that all the guests are interested in it. Lady Milton, for example, says that the vase is "worth millions." Court Orlog says, "Oh, what I wouldn't do to have a piece like this!"

A is incorrect because, while Barnes's falling asleep does happen in Act One, it is not mentioned again in Acts Two and Three.

C describes Lady Milton's high opinion of Barnes, but that doesn't move the story forward.

D simply describes Dr. Hamish's plausible but mistaken theory about why the vase fell.

p. 291 Q 3. Read line 13 from Act Two of the drama.

BARNES: [looking from face to face] And yet, last night, every single person in the room expressed the wish that he or she might posses such a piece of priceless beauty! [The guests all mutter amongst themselves, offended.] Someone is missing. Where is Wendy, the maid?

Which 3 choices best describe why the playwright included line 13.

• A, B, and C

• B, C and D

• D, E, and F

• B, D, and E

• A, E, and F

Answer explanation

The correct choices are B, C, and D. It is important to build suspense by suggesting all guests are suspects, the vase is valuable, and one person is missing who might be responsible.

A is incorrect because Line 13 does not mention Lady Milton.

E and F are not supported by line 13 of the drama.

p. 292 Q 4.

What is the meaning of the phrase saved the day as it is used in line 3?

• A. stopped a disaster

• B. kept the sun from setting

• C. gave a solution to a problem

• D. set aside time for planning.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is A. Barnes prevents the disaster of a broken Ming vase.

B is incorrect because Barnes does not keep the sun from setting.

C is not strong enough definition for a phrase like "save the day."

D is not supported by the text.