Question

CHARACTERS:
MEGAN
STEVEN, her son

SCENE: The scene takes place in Steven's bedroom.

MEGAN: Steven, I can't understand how you can live in such a messy room. You can't expect me to clean your room all the time.

STEVEN: Mom, I didn't ask you to tidy my room. I think it's fine as it is. I like living in this kind of a room.
MEGAN: It's not just about a tidy room. You seem to be behaving quite irresponsibly these days and you are always snapping at me.

STEVEN: Leave me alone, Mom, and stop telling me what to do.

MEGAN: I just want to help. Dad and I are worried about you.

STEVEN: Well, telling me that you are worried about me won't help for sure.

MEGAN: That's rude, Steven! If Dad and I stopped your allowance for a month, you would soon appreciate what we do for you. Why don't you sit and talk to us? You are always cooped up in your room.

STEVEN: You always want everyone to do what you say. Go on, stop my money. I don't care because I plan on leaving home soon anyway.

MEGAN: I wish you wouldn't think of me as your enemy. All I'm asking you to do is to spend time with Dad and me and tell us what's happening with you. You know that we care about you. We just want to know what's going on in your life.

STEVEN: Yes, you have a fine way of showing your concern.

4
In this passage, which of the following contributes to the conflict between Megan and her son Steven?
A.
Megan's desire for a clean and tidy house
B.
Steven's reluctance to spend time with his parents and talk to them
C.
Steven's desire to move out and live on his own
D.
Megan's comment about stopping Steven's allowance for a month

Answer 1

B

Steven's unwillingness to talk or spend time with his parents—and his snapping and isolation—directly fuels the tension in their exchanges.