Based on the passage, which of the following most accurately characterizes the claim that “there was plenty of time to smooth the thing out” (sentence 8)?

Choice A is the best answer. Sentence 9 establishes, in contrast to what is stated in sentence 8, that “there wasn’t plenty of time” and that the Players “all knew it.” Despite knowing better, the Players use the claim as part of the strategy described in sentence 8 to lighten the tense mood (“disarm each other,” “forgiving laughter”). Choice B is incorrect because the passage suggests that the source of the claim was the Players themselves, not the director. Choice C is incorrect because no outside observers are mentioned in the passage. Choice D is incorrect because the passage suggests that the source of the claim was the Players themselves, not the director, and because the claim is false, not realistic.