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
Question
Use the lines below to answer the question.
What conclusion can be drawn about the characters, based on this excerpt?
(1 point)
Responses
Mary and her father have a tense relationship.
Mary and her father have a tense relationship.
Ollivant and his wife have a strong, loving marriage.
Ollivant and his wife have a strong, loving marriage.
Mary and her father used to love gardening together.
Mary and her father used to love gardening together.
Ollivant and his wife disagreed about how to raise Mary.
1 answer
Based on the excerpt, the conclusion that can be drawn about the characters is:
Mary and her father used to love gardening together.
This inference comes from the dialogue that indicates a nostalgic connection to the garden and the mention of Mary’s observations about it, combined with Ollivant’s reminders about gardening tasks, which suggests a shared past activity or interest. The other options either make assumptions about tension or disagreement that are not supported by the text.
