Answer: To illustrate Japan's isolation in the 1800s.
Explanation: The outside source in this excerpt (the first few lines) clearly describes how while the rest of the world was dealing with monarchies, wars and developing new technologies like trains and wheels, Japan decided to be totally closed off from all of that, and they concentrated just in painting screens for 200 years.
In addition to the Stage Manager, the two characters who appear first at the opening of Act II are: Howie Newsome and Joe CrowellHowie newsome first appears as the milkman and Joe crowell appear first continuing his conversation about the teacher's marriage.
If you need to know how many she had left then... 2/5 x 1/3 = 6/15. Sorry if I came out rude, but I hope I helped! Let me know if you need anything else!
Similes comparing the passion to a avalanche and a prairie fire