Question

read the excerpt from part one of trifles. mrs. hale (examining the skirt). what does the word \examining\ mean in the stage direction? checking for flaws looking very closely searching for clues seeking solutions

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "examining" in the stage direction, we analyze each option:

• "Checking for flaws" implies a focus on finding defects, which is too narrow for a general examination of a skirt in a play context.
• "Looking very closely" aligns with the act of examining, as examining often involves a close, detailed look.
• "Searching for clues" suggests a detective - like search, which is not necessarily the case here just from the stage direction of examining a skirt.
• "Seeking solutions" is irrelevant as examining a skirt is not about finding solutions.

Answer:

B. looking very closely