Question

Which quotation from "Where Is Here?" uses characterization to help develop a theme related to acting according to social conventions?​​​​​​​ He stood in an odd stiff posture, hands gripping the lapels of his suit as if he meant to crush them. He stood in an odd stiff posture, hands gripping the lapels of his suit as if he meant to crush them. Finally, making an effort to smile, the stranger said, ‘Your kitchen is so—pleasant.'" Finally, making an effort to smile, the stranger said, ‘Your kitchen is so—pleasant.'" It was as if a force of nature, benign at the outset, now uncontrollable, had swept its way into their house! It was as if a force of nature, benign at the outset, now uncontrollable, had swept its way into their house! At his full height he stood for a precarious moment swaying, as if the blood had drained from his head and he was in danger of fainting.

Answer 1

I believe the quote that uses characterization to help develop a theme related to acting according to social conventions is:

Finally, making an effort to smile, the stranger said, ‘Your kitchen is so—pleasant.'

Step-by-step explanation:

"Where Is Here?" is a short story by author Joyce Carol Oates. One evening in November, a stranger suddenly shows up at the door of a family who, according to him, lives in his childhood home. He is invited to come in and look around, all the while being closely watched by the father and the mother.

The stranger clearly has intense and emotional memories connected to the house. Yet, he makes an effort to act according to social conventions. Even though he seems annoyed when he notices all the changes and renovations that were made, especially in the kitchen, he controls himself well enough to offer a compliment:

Finally, making an effort to smile, the stranger said, ‘Your kitchen is so—pleasant.'

This is not how he truly feels. But social conventions determine one should be polite when one is a guest. Thus, he lies in order to not be rude.