Question

Part of the exposition of a story or play is the presentation of the initial conflict. Which parts of the excerpt indicate the initial conflict that drives the story?

DUNHAM: The beverages are getting low, madam — what with entertaining so much —

ELAINE: [In dismay.] But, mother, if you only have twelve people, Father can't sit at the head of the table.

MRS. PRINGLE: But he has to sit at the head. It looks too undignified when the man of the house is pushed to the side —

ELAINE: There's no other way. There must be a woman at each end —

MRS. PRINGLE: [Distraught.] How absurd! I always forget. Of course, twelve is an impossible number — [She goes around the table looking at the place cards.] I don't want to put any of these women at the head— there’s Mrs. Darby — such a cat — I wouldn't give her the honor and Mrs. — [The telephone rings.] Answer it, Dunham.

Answer 1

But, mother, if you only have twelve people, Father can't sit at the head of the table

But he has to sit at the head. It looks too undignified when the man of the house is pushed to the side

Step-by-step explanation:

this is the main conflict