Mary’s monologue enhances the play by explaining how Mary feels about acting. In her speech, she articulates her deep passion for the craft and her desire to express herself artistically, which contrasts with the traditional expectations placed upon her by the men in her life. This reveals her character's motivations and the internal conflict she faces between societal norms and her aspirations.
Tradition
by George Middleton
OLLIVANT. [
Kindly
.] Ben and I only want to protectyou, 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 stillthink I'm only a foolish, stage-struck girl, and wantflowers and men and my name in big letters. It isn'tthat.
OLLIVANT. Well, what is it, then?
MARY. Oh—I want to be an artist. I don't supposeyou can understand it; I didn't, myself, at first. I wasborn with it, but didn't know what it was till that firsttime you took me to the theatre. I wanted to act—tocreate. I don't care whether I play a leading lady or ascrub-woman, if I can do it with truth and beauty.
"Tradition" by George Middleton
A)
Use the excerpt below to answer the question.
How does Mary’s monologue enhance theplay?
(1 point)
It reveals how Ben and Mary are different.
It explains how Mary feels about acting.
It shows why Ollivant does not
understand Mary.
It outlines the differences between men
and women.
1 answer
1 answer