Question

adapted from Careless Matilda
by Jane Taylor and Ann Taylor

"Again, Matilda, is your work undone!
Your scissors, where are they and your thimble, gone?
Your needles, pins, and thread and tapes all lost;
Said Lady Rigid, "There your workbag toss'd,
My child, indeed this will not do,
Your hair uncomb'd, your frock in tatters, too;
I'm now resolved no more delays to grant,
To learn orderliness, I'll send you to your aunt."
In vain Matilda wept, pleaded, pray'd,
In vain a promise of amendment made.

Again at Austere Hall, Matilda sigh'd
By Lady Rigid when severely eyed:
"You read and write, and work well, as I'm told,
Are gentle, jovial, amiable, and not bold;
But very haphazard, negligent, and wild—
You'll depart from here, I hope, a different child."

And now the day she yearned for is come,
When young Matilda may revisit home.
"You quit me, child, but oft mind recall
The time you spent with me at Austere Hall."
Matilda clasp'd sweet Order to her heart,
And said, "From thee, best friend, I'll never part."

3
How does the dialogue develop the plot of the poem?
A.
It describes how Matilda dislikes Austere Hall.
B.
It reveals that Matilda's experience at Austere Hall has changed her.
C.
It characterizes Matilda's lack of interest in reading and writing.
D.
It explains why Matilda is careless and is sent away.

Answer 1

B. It reveals that Matilda's experience at Austere Hall has changed her.

Explanation: The dialogue shows Lady Rigid sending Matilda to learn orderliness and later Matilda leaving Austere Hall having embraced "sweet Order," indicating a change in her behavior.