GRETCHEN SCHRIVER: I am American. In 1885 my family left the newly united Germany. It was the Industrial Revolution and machines were replacing people. My family was no longer needed. America was still wide open, though. They entered through Galveston, Texas, and eventually made their way up the Mississippi River to Milwaukee. They farmed. They took all that land, that prairie grass waving mile after mile, and started turning it into the infamous bread basket. They built churches and music halls, and, well, they really settled into America. (GRETCHEN exits left. MICHAEL LU enters left and comes center. SILHOUETTES begin pantomiming hammering spikes on railroad tracks.)

Question

Question
Use the soliloquy from “I Am American” to answer the question.

Select “Yes” or “No” to show whether each statement explains how the use of soliloquy—rather than monologue—enhances this dramatic text.

(2 points)
Yes No
allows GRETCHEN to reveal that she sees herself as an American

frees GRETCHEN from the fear of being judged by others for her thoughts

gives GRETCHEN the chance to change what another character thinks

allows GRETCHEN to speak in as much detail as she wishes about her experience in America

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Answer 1

Here are the responses based on the use of soliloquy in the context of Gretchen's character:

1. allows GRETCHEN to reveal that she sees herself as an American
   Yes

2. frees GRETCHEN from the fear of being judged by others for her thoughts
   Yes

3. gives GRETCHEN the chance to change what another character thinks
   No

4. allows GRETCHEN to speak in as much detail as she wishes about her experience in America
   Yes

The soliloquy format gives Gretchen the space to express her identity and experiences without external judgment, unlike a monologue, which might involve interaction with other characters.