The structure of this excerpt highlights the evolving dynamics within the family, particularly the tension between traditional gender roles and the emerging independence of women, as seen through Mary's determination to succeed on her own and Emily's secret professional success. This suggests that the play critiques societal expectations and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting the aspirations of both daughters and sons equally.
Tradition by George Middleton MARY. [With quiet dignity.] You thought you'd force me to stay here at home to do as you wished by paying for my food and clothes; well, since I left you've not helped me with my work or given me a penny. OLLIVANT. Then who helped you? Ben? MARY. How could he help me? Are men the only ones who help women? EMILY. [Quietly.] Tell him, Mary; it's best now. OLLIVANT. [Turning slowly to her in surprise.] You knew and have kept it from me? EMILY. [Calmly, as she puts down the hat she has been trimming.] I found I hadn't lost my old skill, though it's been a good many years since I held a brush—since before we were married, George. I had an idea I thought would sell: paper dolls with little hand-painted dresses on separate sheets. I wrote to Mr. Aylwin— you remember—he was so kind to me years before. He had called here once before when you were away and asked after my work. He used to think I had such promise. He found an opportunity to use the dolls as a specialty, and when I explained he induced some other firms to use all I can paint, too. They pay me very well. I made enough each month to help Mary when she went behind. OLLIVANT. [Incredulously.] You! After you heard me say when she left I wouldn't give her a cent? EMILY. [Looking fondly at MARY.] You were supporting Ben, weren't you? OLLIVANT. But—that's—that's different. EMILY. I didn't see why we shouldn't help both our children. OLLIVANT. [Perplexed by this he turns to MARY.] And you took it? MARY. Yes. OLLIVANT. You knew how she got the money? MARY. Yes. OLLIVANT. Your mother working herself sick for you, and you took it? EMILY. I told you I've never been so happy. MARY. [Simply.] You didn't help me. Ben and I both went against your will, but you helped him because he was your son. I was only your daughter. [OLLIVANT eyes her and seems to be struggling with himself. He is silent a long while as they both watch him. Finally, after several efforts he speaks with emotion.] OLLIVANT. Mary, I—I didn't realize how much you meant to me till—till I thought of what might have happened to you without my help. Would—would you have stayed on in the city if—if your mother hadn't helped you? MARY. [Firmly.] Yes, father; I would have stayed on. OLLIVANT. Are you too proud to take help from me—now? MARY. [Simply.] No, father; till I succeed. Then I'll pay you back like Ben promised. OLLIVANT. [With sincerity.] I don't exactly understand that any more than the feeling you spoke of driving you from home. But I do see what you mean about brothers and sisters. You seem to think boys and girls are the same. But they're not. Men and women are different. You may not know it, but your mother had foolish ideas like you have when I first knew her. She was poor and didn't have a mother to support her, and she had to work for a living. She'd about given up when I met her—trying to work at night to feed herself in the day while studying. But she was sensible; when a good man came along who could support her she married him and settled down. [He turns to his wife.] Emily, dear. No wonder the flowers have been neglected. Well, you'll have time to spray those roses yourself. I'll get the spray mixture to-morrow. [Kisses her tenderly.] Painting paper dolls with a change of clothes! When I might have been sending her the money without ever feeling it. No more of that, dear; you don't have to now. [He pats her again, looks at his watch, and then goes slowly over to the window-doors.] Well, it's getting late. I'll lock up. [Looking up at sky.] Paper says it will rain to-morrow. EMILY. [Very quietly so only MARY can hear.] At the art school they said I had a lovely sense of color. Your father is so kind; but he doesn't know how much I enjoyed painting again—even those paper dolls. MARY. [Comprehending in surprise.] Mother! You, too? EMILY. [Fearing lest OLLIVANT should hear.] Sh! [OLLIVANT closes the doors and eyes the women thoughtfully.] OLLIVANT. Better fasten the other windows when you come. Good-night. [He goes out slowly as mother and daughter sit there together.] "Tradition" by George Middleton Question Use the excerpt below to answer the question. In 1–2 sentences, explain a conclusion that can be drawn about the play based on the structure of this excerpt.
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