Determining Implied Causes
In order to see how to determine causes that are implied rather than stated, look at the following brief fictional passage. Read the passage carefully and actively. After you make your observations, see if you can use the writer’s clues to determine why the characters are fighting.
“Anne sat with her feet up on the couch, drinking a Coke. She heard footsteps by the front door. Brenda was right on time, as usual. Never a minute early or late—for her, everything was very exact. Anne placed her feet on the floor, reached for the remote, and turned off the television. She knew Brenda would demand her complete attention. She knew Brenda would hang up her coat in the closet by the door (third hanger from the left) and then head to the kitchen for her daily inspection (exactly seven steps).
She knew this because they had been roommates for six months. Taking a deep breath, she
thought about what she would say to Brenda. She waited and watched from her spot on the couch. A moment later, Brenda stepped into the kitchen and surveyed the scene. Anne watched her expression, watched her eyes focus on the sink, and watched her face harden when she saw the dishes piled high. Pointing to the dishes, Brenda said disappointedly, “I don’t believe what I’m seeing. I thought we agreed to share the responsibilities. I thought it was your turn to clean the kitchen this week?” “I haven’t gotten to them yet,”Anne replied. “I’ve been really busy. Relax. I’ve got all night.” She walked into the kitchen and added her empty glass to the top of the pile.
Brenda fumed. “You know I’m having company tonight! Somehow I thought you would have
done your share in the kitchen. If we want to remain roommates, things have to change. ” The phone rang, and Anne darted to answer it. Brenda said in the background, “Tell them to call back, we need to settle this now. I told you I’m having company soon.” Anne ignored Brenda’s comment and continued to engage in conversation with a good friend of hers. “Did I ever tell you about the time when . . “
Look carefully at the dialogue between these two characters.What do they say to each other? How is it said? What other clues from the author can you find in this passage to help you understand the cause of their conflict? List your observations below and then answer the questions
that follow.
· Observations:
Example: I noticed that Anne was relaxing and watching TV when Brenda arrived.
1. Why does Brenda get angry?
a. because Anne is unfriendly
b. because she had a bad day at work
c. because Anne didn’t do the dishes
d. because Anne is lazy
2. Why didn’t Anne do the dishes?
a. She didn’t have time to do them.
b. She wanted to start a fight.
c. She was too lazy.
d. She wants Brenda to get a new roommate.
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3. What does Anne do that shows she doesn’t intend to shoulder her share of the responsibilities?
a. She turns off the television.
b. She begins to wash the dishes in the sink.
c. She always helps around the house.
d. She talks on the phone with a good friend.