How do these stage directions from the play provide
meaning for readers?
[scene: a room furnished comfortably and tastefully,
but not extravagantly. at the back, a door to the right
leads to the entrance-hall, another to the left leads to
helmer's study. between the doors stands a piano. in the
middle of the left-hand wall is a door, and beyond it a
window. near the window are a round table, arm-chairs
and a small sofa. in the right-hand wall, at the farther
end, another door; and on the same side, nearer the
footlights, a stove, two easy chairs and a rocking-chair;
between the stove and the door, a small table. engravings
on the walls; a cabinet with china and other small objects;
a small book-case with well-bound books. the floors are
carpeted, and a fire burns in the stove.
it is winter. a bell rings in the hall; shortly afterwards the
door is heard to open. enter nora, humming a tune and
in high spirits. she is in outdoor dress and carries a
number of parcels; these she lays on the table to the right.
she leaves the outer door open after her, and through it is
✓ they include details for readers about the setting of
a scene.
they let readers know the emotions of the
characters in the scene.
they show the exact lines of dialogue that
characters speak.
they list the actors who will be appearing
throughout the play.