Yu [breathlessly]: Just how much farther is it, Lian?

Question

2 Lian: The top is just around the bend—won’t be long now!
3 Yu: That’s what you said an eternity ago! Are you sure?
4 Lian: Dad and I hiked this trail three times last month.
5 Yu: Seeing the same old rocks sounds as fascinating as
watching a turnip grow. Where exactly are we going again?
6 Lian: You’re beyond hopeless, Yu. We’re on the Kinsman Ridge
Trail now, heading to the summit of Cannon Mountain, about
4,080 feet above sea level.
7 Yu: More like 4,080 blisters above sea level. Would it really
have been so horrible to have taken the aerial tramway?
8 Lian: That would be so—anti-climactic! It’ll be worth it,
I swear—there’s nothing quite like that magnificent view.
9 Yu [muttering]: Tramways are an excellent form of
transportation—nice comfy seats, no shooting foot pain . . .
10 Lian [exclaiming from out of sight]: Oh, Yu! Come see!
11 [Yu glumly trudges up the trail to join Lian at the summit, which
affords a miles-long view of the White Mountains.]
12 Yu [breathless with awe, not exhaustion]: Woooow! This is so
not what I expected—we’re on top of the world! Look at that
giant one over there—can we climb that, too?
13 Lian: Climb a mountain? Oh, that would be too difficult.
14 Yu [earnestly]: No, we could do it. It would be worth it.

1 How does Yu feel about climbing up Cannon Mountain before he
reaches the top?
A He is fascinated by the beauty of the rocks.
B He is happy to be hiking the trail again.
C He is troubled by the difficulty of the hike.
D He is frustrated by how slowly Lian walks.
2 Which sentence from the passage best supports the answer to
question 1?
A “Just how much farther is it, Lian?”
B “Where exactly are we going again?”
C “This is so not what I expected—we’re on top of the world!”
D “It would be worth it.”
3 How and why does Yu change during the play? Include your ideas
about how Yu responds to events as they unfold.

Answer 1

1. How does Yu feel about climbing up Cannon Mountain before he reaches the top?
   C He is troubled by the difficulty of the hike.
   Throughout the earlier part of the dialogue, Yu expresses frustration about the physical exertion of the hike and is clearly struggling with the challenge of climbing. He comments on the pain in his feet, questions Lian about the distance to the top, and makes sarcastic remarks about the scenery, suggesting that he is not enjoying the hike.

2. Which sentence from the passage best supports the answer to question 1?
   A “Just how much farther is it, Lian?”
   This sentence demonstrates Yu's concern about the hike's difficulty and his impatience, indicating that he is struggling with the physical challenges of climbing Cannon Mountain. His inquiry shows that he feels the hike is lasting too long, which aligns with the feelings of being troubled by the difficulty.

3. How and why does Yu change during the play? Include your ideas about how Yu responds to events as they unfold.
   Yu changes from feeling frustrated and doubtful to astonished and enthusiastic by the end of the play. Initially, he is burdened by the physical strain of the hike and expresses his skepticism about the journey, complaining about the difficulty and the lack of interesting scenery. His frustration is evident as he questions Lian’s sense of direction and expresses a desire for a more comfortable means of transport.

However, upon reaching the summit and taking in the breathtaking view of the White Mountains, Yu's attitude shifts dramatically. He is filled with awe and amazement, exclaiming about the beauty of the view and expressing interest in climbing another mountain. This transformation shows that, while he struggles during the journey, the end reward—a stunning vista—overwhelmingly changes his perception of the effort it took to get there. As a result, Yu’s initial doubts and frustration transform into excitement and eagerness for new adventures, highlighting how the experience of connecting with nature can alter one’s perspective.