Feature
Acceptance
Barbara Winkler
Stephanie, a teenage girl, sits on the front steps of a house, holding an envelope. The stage is organized in a manner that allows the audience to see inside. In the living room, a last-minute surprise party is organized. Half a dozen people scurry around the room, blowing up balloons and stringing streamers. Several party guests assemble a large banner that exclaims, "Congratulations, Anthony!"
Anthony, Stephanie's brother, walks toward the front door.
STEPHANIE: (Stands up, flashing an exuberant smile) There you are!
ANTHONY: (Listlessly) Here I am. (Collapses on the steps, looking dejected)
STEPHANIE: (Sits again) What's wrong?
ANTHONY: (Despondently) Everything.
STEPHANIE: (In a boisterous tone) I have something that might cheer you up!
ANTHONY: (Looks away and addresses the audience in an aside) What could possibly cheer me up? At this point, I'm a collegiate failure. After applying to seven universities, I've been rejected by six of them. I just can't figure out where I went wrong. Yes, the college admissions process is extremely complicated, but I thought my credentials spoke for themselves: straight-A student, volunteers for local charitable organizations, participates in extracurricular activities, involved in the student government, successfully juggles school with part-time employment.
(With an exasperated sigh) It's so frustrating! I was so optimistic when I mailed out my applications, but now I can't help feeling a little cynical about the entire process. Each successive rejection only accentuates my feelings of inadequacy. Most of my friends already know which university they'll attend in the fall, and I'm still trying to reconcile the fact that I might not be going to college next semester. I feel so disconnected from them right now—while they're mapping out their futures, reviewing the curriculum for freshman year, and filling out roommate questionnaires, I'm still stuck in limbo. Everyone's been sympathetic and supportive, but their reassurances offer little comfort.
ANTHONY: (Looks back at Stephanie) What did you want to tell me?
STEPHANIE: You don't want to hazard a guess?
ANTHONY: (Sarcastically) I got into college.
STEPHANIE: (Nodding vigorously, she hands the letter to Anthony.)
ANTHONY: (Disbelieving) I got into college? (Reads the letter, looking overwhelmed)
STEPHANIE: (Stands up and helps Anthony to his feet) Wipe that dazed look off your face and come inside! Everyone wants to congratulate you!
Anthony and Stephanie enter the house. Everyone yells, "Surprise!" Confetti and streamers fly through the air as Anthony receives hugs and handshakes from various friends and family members.
Click and drag each sentence to the character it describes.
Put responses in the correct input to answer the question. Select a response, navigate to the desired input and insert the response. Responses can be selected and inserted using the space bar, enter key, left mouse button or touchpad.
Responses can also be moved by dragging with a mouse.
Stephanie Anthony
A. This character's dialogue has a negative tone.
B. Stage directions include listlessly and despondently, which help the reader understand meaning.
C. The majority of this character's dialogue creates an optimistic mood.
D. The majority of this character's dialogue creates a somber mood.
E. Stage directions include exuberant and vigorously, which help the reader understand meaning.
F. The character's dialogue has a positive tone.
Stephanie: C, E
Anthony: A, B, D
Stephanie - C, E
Anthony - A, B, D
A. D
B. A, D
C. F
D. A
E. E
F. D