Question

adapted from History Plays for the Grammar Grades
by Mary Ella Lyng

CHARACTERS:
GEORGE (GEORGE WASHINGTON)
MRS. WASHINGTON (GEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOTHER)

ACT 1

GEORGE: Mother, it is decided that I should go to sea, is it not?
MRS. WASHINGTON: Yes, George, we had consented to your going to sea but I would much rather have you go back to school and have a good education. According to old Virginia customs the oldest son in the family, when the father dies, receives a plantation and your brother, Laurence, has received a plantation on the Potomac.
GEORGE: Well, mother, if I give up my plans of going to sea and go back to school, what shall I do?
MRS. WASHINGTON: You will receive a plantation on the Rappahannock.
GEORGE: Well, I shall give up all my plans and go back to school and I will try to excel in all my work.
MRS. WASHINGTON: You must excel in both work and play and remember the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
2
How does George Washington's mother's decision contribute to the plot of the story?
A.
It makes George's mother plan for her sons' future.
B.
It makes George's mother give away two plantations.
C.
It makes George want to treat people around him with love and respect.
D.
It makes George realize his responsibilities and inspires him to do his best.

Answer 1

D. It makes George realize his responsibilities and inspires him to do his best.

Explanation: His mother persuades him to give up going to sea, accept the Rappahannock plantation, return to school, and strive to excel, which shows him taking on responsibility and resolving to do his best.