Question

Part of the exposition of a story or play is the presentation of the Initial conflict. Which parts of the excerpt indicate the initial conflict that drives the story? DUNHAM: The beverages are getting low, madam -- what with entertaining so much - ELAINE: [in dismay.) But, mother, if you only have twelve people, Father can't sit at the head of the table. MRS. PRINGLE: But he has to sit at the head. It looks too undignified when the man of the house is pushed to the side - ELAINE: There's no other way. There must be a woman at each end- MRS. PRINGLE: [Distraught. ] How absurdi I always forget. Of course, twelve is an impossible number - (She goes around the table looking at the place cards.) I don't want to put any of these women at the head- there's Mrs. Darby -- such a cat - I wouldn't give her the honor and Mrs. - [The telephone rings.) Answer it, Dunham. A. The beverages are getting low, madam -- what with entertaining so much B. But, mother, if you only have twelve people, Father can't sit at the head of the table. C. But he has to sit at the head. It looks too undignified when the man of the house is pushed to the side. D. There must be a woman at each end. E. there's Mrs. Darby -- such a cat .

Answer 1

The initial conflict that drives the story is primarily indicated by (B) But, mother, if you only have twelve people, Father can't sit at the head of the table.

Step-by-step explanation:

The conflict arises from the seating arrangement predicament and social expectations surrounding the seating positions. Elaine's concern about the seating arrangement, particularly her father's placement at the head of the table despite the limited number of guests, creates the initial tension.

This conflict is intensified by Mrs. Pringle's insistence on maintaining traditional decorum, facing the challenge of accommodating everyone appropriately within the seating arrangement protocol. Mrs. Pringle's reluctance to place certain individuals at the head of the table and her distress over the limited options further compounds the conflict.

This conflict about hierarchy, social norms, and the struggle to reconcile seating etiquette within the constraints of the number of guests sets the stage for the story's development and highlights the clash between tradition and practicality.

Correct answer: B. But, mother, if you only have twelve people, Father can't sit at the head of the table.