Question

What purpose does the flashback serve in Act II of Our Town? It explains how George and Emily fell in love. It reminds readers of George and Emily's youthful days. It describes a turning point in George and Emily's romance. It illustrates the moment in which George proposes to Emily.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is It describes a turning point in George and Emily's romance.

Indeed, at this point Emily and George are already in love, yet George has plans to go to College and study agriculture which will inevitably separate them, possibly forever. The conflict George and Emily have foreshadows their future separation by death. George, because of his studies and extracurricular activities is drifting apart from all his friends and from Emily. Her criticism of his conceited behavior signifies her pain for the death of their love which foreshadows her actual death during the birth of their child three years later. George, touched deeply by her love for him decides that their love might seem less important than his educational and professional perspectives but because it is as unique as life itself it deserves to be preserved and renounces his ambitions. Had he gone through with his plans their separation would have likely been certain and permanent. The tragic paradox is that their love survives but it is short and precious as their short life together, yet it is worth saving.

Explanation:

Answer 2

The correct answer is It describes a turning point in George and Emily's romance.

Indeed, at this point Emily and George are already in love, yet George has plans to go to College and study agriculture which will inevitably separate them, possibly forever. The conflict George and Emily have foreshadows their future separation by death. George, because of his studies and extracurricular activities is drifting apart from all his friends and from Emily. Her criticism of his conceited behavior signifies her pain for the death of their love which foreshadows her actual death during the birth of their child three years later. George, touched deeply by her love for him decides that their love might seem less important than his educational and professional perspectives but because it is as unique as life itself it deserves to be preserved and renounces his ambitions. Had he gone through with his plans their separation would have likely been certain and permanent. The tragic paradox is that their love survives but it is short and precious as their short life together, yet it is worth saving.