If Adeline wants to improve the dialogue in “Sadie the Patriot,” what should she keep in mind?

Question

She should interview adults so she would know how people spoke in the 18th century.

She should use casual language that realistically displays her character’s personalities.

She should use standard English and research terms that were only used during the past.

She should use formal language to show that parents know how to correctly speak.

Answer 1

To improve the dialogue in "Sadie the Patriot," Adeline should consider the following:

• Historical Authenticity: She should aim to incorporate the vernacular and speech patterns appropriate to the 18th century, which may include formal language, specific terms, and expressions used during that time. This could involve researching historical documents or literature to capture the correct tone and vocabulary.

• Character Consistency: The language should reflect each character's personality, background, and social status. Different characters might have distinct ways of speaking that reveal their upbringing, education, and emotional states.

• Natural Flow: The dialogue should feel organic and believable, avoiding overly formal or stilted language unless it aligns with a character's persona or the context of the situation.

• Contextual Relevance: She should make sure that the language fits the context of the story, ensuring that characters’ discussions contribute to character development and plot progression.

Among the options provided, the most appropriate considerations are aligning with historical authenticity (first option) and ensuring the dialogue realistically displays characters' personalities (second option).