The Mousetrap Beginning of Act 2 Review

What atmosphere is set at the beginning of Act 2, and how does it contrast with the end of Act 1?

• Calm and relaxed

• Tense and suspenseful

• Joyful and festive

• Sad and melancholic

Answer explanation

At the beginning of Act 2, the atmosphere is tense and suspenseful, creating a stark contrast with the end of Act 1, which may have been more relaxed or resolved. This shift heightens the drama and anticipation for the audience.

How does Detective Trotter's demeanor change at the beginning of Act 2?

• He becomes more relaxed

• He becomes more aggressive

• He becomes indifferent

• He becomes humorous

Answer explanation

At the beginning of Act 2, Detective Trotter's demeanor shifts to being more aggressive as he intensifies his questioning and confronts the suspects, indicating a change in his approach to the investigation.

What specific instructions does Trotter give to the guests as he starts his investigation in Act 2?

• To pack their bags and leave

• To stay together in the main room

• To search for clues themselves

• To prepare for dinner

Answer explanation

Trotter instructs the guests to stay together in the main room to ensure their safety and to facilitate the investigation. This choice helps maintain order and allows Trotter to manage the situation effectively.

How do the characters react to Trotter's questioning, and what does this reveal about their personalities?

• They are cooperative and friendly

• They are indifferent and uninterested

• They are defensive and secretive

• They are excited and eager

Answer explanation

The characters' defensive and secretive reactions to Trotter's questioning indicate their desire to protect their own interests and possibly hide something, revealing a more guarded and cautious aspect of their personalities.

What are the key pieces of evidence Trotter focuses on at the start of Act 2?

• Mrs. Boyle's luggage

• The guestbook entries

• The radio and the nursery rhyme

• The snowstorm outside

Answer explanation

Trotter emphasizes the radio and the nursery rhyme as key pieces of evidence at the start of Act 2, as they are crucial in establishing the atmosphere and hinting at the underlying mystery of the events unfolding.

Describe the interaction between Trotter and Mrs. Boyle before she exits.

• Cordial and pleasant

• Tense and confrontational

• Humorous and light-hearted

• Indifferent and dismissive

Answer explanation

The interaction between Trotter and Mrs. Boyle is marked by tension and confrontation, highlighting their conflicting personalities and escalating disagreements before her exit.

How does Trotter's approach to solving the mystery differ from other characters' methods?

• He relies on intuition

• He uses logical deduction and questioning

• He ignores the clues

• He asks others to solve it for him

Answer explanation

Trotter's method stands out as he employs logical deduction and questioning, systematically analyzing clues, unlike other characters who may rely on intuition or overlook evidence.

What role does the weather play at the beginning of Act 2, and how does it affect the characters?

• It is sunny and uplifting

• It is stormy, increasing tension

• It is mild and calming

• It is irrelevant to the plot

Answer explanation

The stormy weather at the beginning of Act 2 heightens the tension among the characters, reflecting their inner turmoil and conflicts. This atmospheric choice underscores the emotional stakes and foreshadows upcoming drama.

How does the atmosphere in the guesthouse change as Trotter exits and Christopher Wren enters?

• It becomes more relaxed

• It becomes more tense and suspicious

• It becomes jovial and light-hearted

• It remains unchanged

Answer explanation

As Trotter exits, the atmosphere shifts to a more tense and suspicious mood with Wren's entrance, indicating a change in dynamics and the potential for conflict or intrigue.

What new dynamic is introduced with Christopher Wren's entrance, and how does it influence the other characters' behavior?

• He brings calmness and peace

• He creates anxiety and suspicion

• He encourages them to relax

• He distracts them with humor

Answer explanation

Christopher Wren's entrance creates anxiety and suspicion among the other characters, as his presence introduces uncertainty and tension, influencing their behavior and interactions.