Question

select the correct answer.

read the excerpt from paragraph 2.

(2) when she reached the age of sixteen her parents thought it was time to seek a suitable bridegroom for her... however, it proved exceedingly difficult to find anyone who would meet all their requirements.

how does paragraph 2 begin to develop the theme of the passage?

o by foreshadowing the impossibility of tama marrying for love
o by suggesting that no bridegroom for tama will ever be found
o by explaining that tama is not interested in finding a bridegroom
o by hinting that tama is only interested in marrying a wealthy man

Explanation:

Analyze the excerpt and theme development

The excerpt states that when Tama reached sixteen, her parents sought a suitable bridegroom, but "it proved exceedingly difficult to find anyone who would meet all their requirements." In the context of the traditional Japanese folktale "The Green Willow" (where Tama is the daughter), her parents' strict requirements and the difficulty of finding a match set up the conflict regarding her marriage. This difficulty foreshadows the impossibility of her marrying purely for love under traditional parental arrangements, or the complications that arise when she eventually meets her true love, Tomotada.

Evaluate the options

• Option 1 ("by foreshadowing the impossibility of Tama marrying for love") directly aligns with how the parents' strict control and high standards create an initial barrier to her personal desires, establishing the central theme of love versus societal/parental duty.
• Option 2 is incorrect because a bridegroom is eventually found (or she meets someone), so it is not "never" found.
• Option 3 is incorrect because the excerpt does not state Tama's own lack of interest.
• Option 4 is incorrect because there is no hint that Tama herself is materialistic or only wants a wealthy man.

Answer:

• (A) by foreshadowing the impossibility of Tama marrying for love (Correct answer)
• (B) by suggesting that no bridegroom for Tama will ever be found
• (C) by explaining that Tama is not interested in finding a bridegroom
• (D) by hinting that Tama is only interested in marrying a wealthy man