Rising Action Sorry Wrong Number

The Rising Action of "Sorry, Wrong Number": A Descent into Terror

"Sorry, Wrong Number," a classic radio play by Lucille Fletcher, masterfully builds suspense through a meticulously crafted rising action. This chilling tale centers on Mrs. Stevenson, a wealthy, hypochondriac woman, whose accidental eavesdropping on a murder plot propels her into a terrifying ordeal. This article will delve deep into the escalating tension and suspenseful events that constitute the play's rising action, analyzing its techniques and highlighting its contribution to the overall impact of the story. We'll explore how Fletcher uses dramatic irony, escalating stakes, and a relentless sense of claustrophobia to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Introduction: The Accidental Eavesdropping and the Seed of Suspense

The play's rising action begins the moment Mrs. Stevenson, confined to her bed by a persistent headache, accidentally overhears a phone conversation detailing a planned murder. This initial event, seemingly innocuous, immediately establishes the central conflict and sets the stage for the subsequent escalating tension. The conversation, fragmented and cryptic at first, hints at a plot to kill someone referred to only as "the old lady." This ambiguity, coupled with the listener’s inability to fully grasp the situation immediately, plants the seed of suspense that will blossom into full-blown terror. The uncertainty about the identity of the "old lady" and the perpetrators fuels the audience's anxiety, mirroring Mrs. Stevenson’s own growing fear and desperation. The rising action, therefore, begins not with dramatic action, but with a subtle, chilling revelation – a whisper in the darkness.

Step-by-Step Escalation of Tension:

The rising action unfolds through a series of meticulously orchestrated events, each building upon the previous one to amplify the suspense. Let's examine these steps in detail:

1. The Initial Denial and Attempt at Verification: Mrs. Stevenson initially dismisses the overheard conversation as a bad dream or a faulty connection. This denial, however, is short-lived. The nagging feeling that something is terribly wrong compels her to try and verify the information. Her attempts to retrace her steps, to determine the number she dialed, and her subsequent call to the operator exemplify her growing fear and desperation. The operator's unhelpful responses, and the increasingly erratic behaviour of the telephone lines, contribute to the sense of growing unease, and establish a sense of isolation and helplessness for Mrs. Stevenson. The audience, too, is trapped in the tightening net of suspicion.

2. The Identification of the Victim (and the Growing Threat): As Mrs. Stevenson pieces together clues from the overheard conversation, she begins to realize that the "old lady" is her own mother-in-law. This realization marks a significant escalation in the tension. The threat now becomes intensely personal and immediate, transforming from a vague, distant danger into a looming existential crisis. The initial fear of an unknown threat is now replaced by the terrifying realization that the plot involves someone close to her, turning the initially abstract menace into a visceral, personal danger.

3. The Failed Attempts to Alert the Authorities: Mrs. Stevenson’s attempts to warn the police are frustratingly unsuccessful. Her increasingly frantic calls are met with skepticism and dismissal. The police’s reluctance to believe her, compounded by the ambiguity of the information she provides, only intensifies her fear and underscores her helplessness. The constant delays and the bureaucratic hurdles she faces further amplify the sense of dread. Each unsuccessful attempt to seek help contributes to the audience’s mounting anxiety and strengthens their empathy for her plight.

4. The Growing Sense of Impending Doom and Paranoia: As time passes and her warnings go unheeded, a growing sense of impending doom envelops Mrs. Stevenson. Her perception of reality starts to blur as the lines between paranoia and genuine threat become increasingly indistinct. The claustrophobic confines of her bedroom become a symbolic representation of her shrinking world, amplifying her sense of isolation and vulnerability. The constant ringing of the telephone, and the eerie silence that follows, become instruments of suspense, creating a palpable sense of dread. The audience is made to share Mrs. Stevenson's mounting panic through the increasingly tense and breathless dialogue.

5. The Discovery of the Murderer's Identity (and the Threat Comes Closer): Through fragments of further overheard conversations and piecing together clues, she begins to suspect her husband. This revelation introduces another layer of betrayal and fear. The threat is no longer just external; it's deeply personal, striking at the heart of her most intimate relationships. The trust she had placed in her husband is shattered, replaced by suspicion and paralyzing fear. This turn of events heightens the psychological tension and creates a deeply unsettling atmosphere.

6. The Final, Desperate Plea and the Climax's Precursor: Having discovered the potential identity of the murderer and understanding the immediate threat to her life, Mrs. Stevenson's final desperate plea to the operator encapsulates the culmination of the rising action. Her frantic attempts to get help become more and more desperate, reflecting her dwindling hope and the accelerating pace of the unfolding tragedy. This desperate call, unanswered and unheard, leaves the audience breathless, anticipating the impending climax and the inevitable confrontation. This is the final crescendo before the dramatic confrontation and resolution (or lack thereof) in the play's climax.

Dramatic Irony as a Driving Force:

Throughout the rising action, Fletcher masterfully utilizes dramatic irony to heighten the suspense. The audience is privy to information that Mrs. Stevenson is not, creating a stark contrast between her naive assumptions and the terrifying reality unfolding around her. This disparity between the audience's knowledge and Mrs. Stevenson's understanding significantly amplifies the tension. We know the danger she’s in long before she fully grasps it, making her struggles and her attempts to avert disaster all the more harrowing. This is a crucial element in creating the gripping suspense that characterizes the play.

The Role of Setting and Atmosphere:

The setting of the play, Mrs. Stevenson's bedroom, contributes significantly to the rising action. The confined space, coupled with her physical ailment, further isolates and weakens her, emphasizing her vulnerability and amplifying her fear. The darkness, the ringing telephone, and the general atmosphere of unease all contribute to creating a claustrophobic and chilling environment that mirrors Mrs. Stevenson's internal state of anxiety and dread.

Conclusion: A Masterclass in Suspense Building:

The rising action of "Sorry, Wrong Number" is a masterclass in suspense building. Through a series of meticulously crafted events, carefully chosen dialogue, and the strategic use of dramatic irony and atmosphere, Lucille Fletcher creates a relentlessly mounting tension that keeps the audience captivated and terrified until the very end. The play's effectiveness lies in its ability to gradually escalate the stakes, mirroring Mrs. Stevenson’s descent into terror and leaving the audience breathlessly anticipating the inevitable confrontation. The rising action not only sets the stage for the climax but also serves to heighten the impact of the play's overall message about the fragility of life, the unreliability of institutions, and the pervasiveness of evil. The play’s enduring popularity is a testament to Fletcher’s masterful storytelling and her profound understanding of how to manipulate suspense to create a truly unforgettable theatrical experience.