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

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

It reveals how Ben and Mary are different.

Answer 1

The best response is:

It explains how Mary feels about acting.

This option accurately captures the essence of Mary's monologue, where she expresses her passion for acting and her desire to create art, emphasizing her understanding of herself and her ambitions beyond societal expectations.