Question

What text evidence supports the idea that Martha is trying to escape from something and start over in America? What inferences can you make based on this evidence?​

Answer 1

Answer:

Textual evidence:

' ‘But I came right from London and I didn’t have any place arranged—I just arksed the taxi to take me to the nearest hotel—...'

From this evidence, one can infer that Martha rushed from England in hurry, without any plans, which clarifies that she is trying to escape from something.

Explanation:

'Martha, Martha' is a short story written by Zadie Smith. The story is about central character— Martha, a girl in her early twenties. Another main character is Pam, who is divorced and helping Martha to find a suitable house.

In Part 1 of the story, from Martha's and Pam's conversation, one can infer that Martha requires a house on lease urgently. It is unclear as to why Martha moved in such a hurry from England to America without planning for any stay before, but this does makes sense that she must be trying to escape something from her past.

The evidence of this claim is:

' ‘But I came right from London and I didn’t have any place arranged—I just arksed the taxi to take me to the nearest hotel—...'

The evidence that Martha wants to start over in America is when she shares her list of listening more to Classical music with Pam, while they are in her office.

' ‘I want to listen to more classical music. I want to

know more about it. It’s on my list.'

From these evidences one can infer that Martha has shifted to America in such a hurry because she must be running from something, something from her past, in England. This also conveys that she wants to move on in her life and thus is looking forward to start over a new life in America, with many things to do from her list.