Why doesn’t Sophie see the faces in front of her?

answer:

She is focusing on her poem

Explanation:

She actually sees the audience but not focused, which is what Mr. Carey said to her, to focus on reciting the poem instead of looking on the audience. That would otherwise make her more nervous.

1.the hosts on two opposing mountains stood,  

2.thick as the foliage of the waving wood;  

3.between them an extensive valley lay,  

4.o'er which the gleaming armour pour'd the day,  

5.when from the camp of the philistine foes,

6. dreadful to view, a mighty warrior rose; in the dire deeds of bleeding battle skill'd,