Tradition

Question

by George Middleton

OLLIVANT. [Kindly.] Ben and I only want to protect you, Mary.

MARY. Why do men always want to protect women?

OLLIVANT. Because we know the world.

MARY. Yes; but you don't know me. Father, you still think I'm only a foolish, stage-struck girl, and want flowers and men and my name in big letters. It isn't that.

OLLIVANT. Well, what is it, then?

MARY. Oh—I want to be an artist. I don't suppose you can understand it; I didn't, myself, at first. I was born with it, but didn't know what it was till that first time you took me to the theatre. I wanted to act—to create. I don't care whether I play a leading lady or a scrub-woman, if I can do it with truth and beauty.

"Tradition" by George Middleton

Question
Use the excerpt below to answer the question.

How does Mary’s monologue enhance the play?

(1 point)
Responses

It shows why Ollivant does not understand Mary.
It shows why Ollivant does not understand Mary.

It outlines the differences between men and women.
It outlines the differences between men and women.

It explains how Mary feels about acting.
It explains how Mary feels about acting.

It reveals how Ben and Mary are different.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

It explains how Mary feels about acting.

Mary's monologue expresses her deep desire to be an artist and her passion for acting, highlighting her personal motivations and aspirations beyond what others perceive of her.