Use the excerpt from You Can Never Tell by George Bernard Shaw to answer the question. PHILIP (rising with grave politeness). Come, Dolly. (He gives her his arm.) DOLLY. Good morning. (They go together to the door with perfect dignity.) VALENTINE (overwhelmed with remorse). Oh, stop, stop. (They halt and turn, arm in arm.) You make me feel a perfect beast. DOLLY. That's your conscience: not us. How does the relationship among the dramatic elements in this excerpt advance the plot? (1 point)

1 answer

In this excerpt from "You Can Never Tell," the relationship among the dramatic elements—namely, the characters’ dialogue, actions, and emotional states—advances the plot by highlighting the tension and conflict between Valentine and the others, particularly Dolly and Philip.

Valentine's overwhelming remorse creates a moment of tension as he begs them to stop, which contrasts with the dignified composure of Dolly and Philip as they exit together. This interaction emphasizes Valentine’s internal struggle and guilt, while showcasing Dolly's sharpness and independence as she redirects the source of his guilt back to his conscience, rather than their actions.

The gravity of the situation is underscored by Valentine’s reaction, revealing his moral conflict and foreshadowing potential consequences for his behavior. Overall, this relationship of emotions and actions among the characters not only illustrates the dynamics of their relationships but also propels the narrative forward by raising questions about responsibility, guilt, and social interactions, setting the stage for further developments in the plot.