by George Middleton
MARY. [With quiet dignity.] You thought you'd force me to stay here at home to do as you wished by paying for my food and clothes; well, since I left you've not helped me with my work or given me a penny.
OLLIVANT. Then who helped you? Ben?
MARY. How could he help me? Are men the only ones who help women?
EMILY. [Quietly.] Tell him, Mary; it's best now.
OLLIVANT. [Turning slowly to her in surprise.] You knew and have kept it from me?
EMILY. [Calmly, as she puts down the hat she has been trimming.] I found I hadn't lost my old skill, though it's been a good many years since I held a brush—since before we were married, George. I had an idea I thought would sell: paper dolls with little hand-painted dresses on separate sheets. I wrote to Mr. Aylwin— you remember—he was so kind to me years before. He had called here once before when you were away and asked after my work. He used to think I had such promise. He found an opportunity to use the dolls as a specialty, and when I explained he induced some other firms to use all I can paint, too. They pay me very well. I made enough each month to help Mary when she went behind.
OLLIVANT. [Incredulously.] You! After you heard me say when she left I wouldn't give her a cent?
EMILY. [Looking fondly at MARY.] You were supporting Ben, weren't you?
OLLIVANT. But—that's—that's different.
EMILY. I didn't see why we shouldn't help both our children.
"Tradition" by George Middleton
Question
Use the excerpt below to answer the question.
What is the purpose of the monologue in this excerpt?
(1 point)
Responses
To show that Emily believes parents should support all their children.
To show that Emily believes parents should support all their children.
To explain how Emily could financially support Mary.
To explain how Emily could financially support Mary.
To reveal how Ollivant treats Mary and Ben differently.
To reveal how Ollivant treats Mary and Ben differently.
To show the conflict between Mary and Ollivant.
1 answer
The purpose of the monologue in this excerpt is:
To show that Emily believes parents should support all their children.
Emily's dialogue highlights her perspective on familial support, illustrating her belief that both Mary and Ben deserve help, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their situations.
