Tradition

Question

by George Middleton

OLLIVANT. I couldn't get it into my head then, and I can't now, how any girl would want to leave a home like this, where you have everything. You don't know how lucky you are—or maybe you have realized it. Look about you and see what other girls have. Is it like this? Trees, flowers, and a lake view that's the best in the county. I thought you, at least, would stay here, daughter, in this old house where you were born, where I was born, but you had to up and get out.

MARY. Yes. That's right, father; I had to.

OLLIVANT. [He looks at her sharply.] Had to? Who made you?

MARY. [Reluctantly.] It was something inside me.

OLLIVANT. [In spite of himself.] Tush—that foolishness.

MARY. [Quickly.] Don't make it hard for us again.

"Tradition" by George Middleton

Question
Use the excerpt below to answer the question.

How does Ollivant’s monologue enhance the play?

(1 point)
Responses

By emphasizing Ollivant’s reasons for not letting his daughter move back home.
By emphasizing Ollivant’s reasons for not letting his daughter move back home.

By revealing that Ollivant still does not understand his daughter’s decision to leave home.
By revealing that Ollivant still does not understand his daughter’s decision to leave home.

By showing how wealthy the family is.
By showing how wealthy the family is.

By describing how beautiful the family home is.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

By revealing that Ollivant still does not understand his daughter’s decision to leave home.

This choice highlights the emotional disconnect between Ollivant and Mary, illustrating the tension surrounding her desire for independence and his inability to appreciate her inner struggles.