A possible disadvantage to hearing this scene, as opposed to reading it silently, is that Mrs. Hale may not

third person

explanation:

note the usage of names and pronouns, "james" & "the old man". this alone can confirm it as third person, as first person uses "i" and the like, while second person uses "you" and the like.

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a) the british government verbally threatens the colonies.

b) the british government has sent navies and armies to the colonies.

c) the british government argues against separation in the house of commons.

d) the british government has sent petitions and letters to all of the colonists.