Sojourner Truth

Question

by Joanna Evans

MAMA (Shaken): I don’t want to hear of this any longer. Besides, what kind of name is Sojourner Truth?

REBECCA: Her real name is Isabella Baumfree. She gave herself the name “Sojourner Truth” after she was freed from slavery. Then she began to travel the countryside to help other slaves to freedom. She’s letting us northerners know that the wrongs that happened in the South happened here, too, right under our very noses. She knows that all people should have the right to be free and the power to vote, and that includes women, black or white.

MAMA (Softening): Rebecca, you are beginning to scare me.

Sojourner Truth, by Joanna L. Evans © This play is reprinted from Plays, The Drama Magazine for Young People with the permission of the publisher Plays/Sterling Partners Inc. 897 Washington Street #600160, Newton, MA 02460

Question
Use the passage to answer the question.

What purpose does Rebecca’s monologue serve for the plot?

Select the two correct answers.

(1 point)
Responses which two answers are correct and why

The monologue shows the audience that Rebecca and her mom will come to an agreement soon.
The monologue shows the audience that Rebecca and her mom will come to an agreement soon.

Rebecca’s monologue relieves tension between mother and daughter.
Rebecca’s monologue relieves tension between mother and daughter.

The monologue shows how determined Rebecca is to join the movement by showing that she knows a lot about Truth and the suffrage movement.
The monologue shows how determined Rebecca is to join the movement by showing that she knows a lot about Truth and the suffrage movement.

The monologue reveals how both Rebecca and Mama really feel about Sojourner Truth.
The monologue reveals how both Rebecca and Mama really feel about Sojourner Truth.

Mama’s preceding line and her reaction to Rebecca’s monologue help show the audience the divide between mother and daughter.
Mama’s preceding line and her reaction to Rebecca’s monologue help show the audience the divide between mother and daughter.
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Answer 1

The two correct answers regarding Rebecca's monologue and its purpose in the plot are:

1. The monologue shows how determined Rebecca is to join the movement by showing that she knows a lot about Truth and the suffrage movement.

   • This answer is correct because Rebecca's detailed explanation about Sojourner Truth and her beliefs illustrates her commitment to the cause of freedom and women's rights, highlighting her determination to be part of the movement.

2. Mama’s preceding line and her reaction to Rebecca’s monologue help show the audience the divide between mother and daughter.

   • This answer is also correct because Mama’s initial resistance and subsequent softening reaction indicate the tension and differing perspectives between her and Rebecca. It emphasizes the generational divide regarding views on social issues, illustrating the struggle that often occurs when younger individuals advocate for change.

These selections effectively capture the themes of determination in social movements and the generational conflict present in the dialogue.