Tradition

Question

by George Middleto

OLLIVANT. [Affectionately.] Glad to be home again, Mary?

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

Ollivant and his wife have a strong, loving marriage.
Ollivant and his wife have a strong, loving marriage.

Ollivant and his wife disagreed about how to raise Mary.
Ollivant and his wife disagreed about how to raise Mary.

Mary and her father used to love gardening together.
Mary and her father used to love gardening together.

Mary and her father have a tense relationship.

Answer 1

Based on the excerpt, the conclusion that can be drawn about the characters is:

Mary and her father have a tense relationship.

This interpretation is supported by Mary's evasiveness in her conversation and the quick questioning gesture to her mother, which indicates underlying tension or discomfort in her relationship with Ollivant. The overall tone suggests that there may be more going on beneath the surface than what is being spoken.