Question

Tradition
by George Middleto

OLLIVANT. [Affectionately.] Glad to be home again, Mary?

MARY. [Evasively.] The garden is so pretty.

OLLIVANT. Hasn't changed much, eh?

MARY. It seems different; perhaps it's the night.

OLLIVANT. I guess it isn't up to its usual standard. Haven't seen your mother there so often this spring.

EMILY. [Quietly.] This dry spell is not good for flowers.

OLLIVANT. [Turning to EMILY and patting her.] Is there any of that spray mixture left, Emily, dear?

EMILY. I haven't looked lately.

OLLIVANT. I'll order some to-morrow. Think it would be a good idea, daughter, if you'd spray those rosebushes every couple of weeks. The bugs are a pest this spring.

[OLLIVANT goes to the mantel, and while his back is turned, MARY makes a quick questioning gesture to her mother, who sighs helplessly. MARY ponders a moment.]



"Tradition" by George Middleton

Use the lines below to answer the question.

What conclusion can be drawn about the characters, based on this excerpt?

(1 point)

Ollivant and his wife disagreed about how to raise Mary.

Ollivant and his wife have a strong, loving marriage.

Mary and her father have a tense relationship.

Mary and her father used to love gardening together.

Answer 1

Mary and her father have a tense relationship.

Evidence: Mary's evasive answers and the quick questioning gesture to her mother (who sighs helplessly) show she is uncomfortable and avoids direct interaction with her father.