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

Mary and her father have a tense relationship.
Mary and her father have a tense relationship.

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

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.
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Answer 1

Based on the excerpt from "Tradition" by George Middleton, the most fitting conclusion about the characters is:

Mary and her father have a tense relationship.

This interpretation stems from the evasive nature of Mary's responses and the quick questioning gesture she makes towards her mother, which indicates uncertainty or discomfort in her relationship with her father. There is also a lack of emotional warmth in their conversation, suggesting some underlying tension.