Question

In the early days of automobiles, rain was a real problem for drivers. Water covered the windshields, so they couldn't see. They had to open their windows and stick their heads outside! When Mary Anderson saw drivers struggling in the rain, she thought she could help. Anderson started working on designs for a rain-clearing device. Even after many failures, she kept experimenting. This persistence resulted in Mary Anderson's invention of the modern windshield wiper. Her design put a rubber blade on a wooden stick. Today's wipers use the same basic principle that Mary Anderson dreamed up in 1903.

What is the meaning of persistence as used in the passage?

Answer 1

Answer: In the context of this passage, "persistence" means the quality of continuing to work towards a goal or solution despite facing challenges, setback, or failures. Mary Anderson's persistence refers to her determination to keep experimenting and working on her design for a rain-clearing device even after facing many difficulties. Despite having these obstacles and challenges ahead of her she delved deeper into her passion which eventually lead to the invention of the modern windshield wiper. It was actually a persistence 17 year endeavor but in the early 20's we would see Cadillac use her design as a standard windshield wiper design.