Question

What does Sir Peter complain about regarding Maria?

• A. She is too shy to speak her mind.
• B. She does not want to marry Joseph Surface.
• C. She spends too much money on clothes.
• D. She gossips too much with Lady Teazle.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. She does not want to marry Joseph Surface.

• Sir Peter complains that Maria does not want to marry Joseph Surface, despite his strong preference for the match.

• Sir Peter views Joseph as a virtuous and dependable man, making him a suitable husband for Maria, who is Sir Peter’s ward.

• However, Maria loves Charles Surface instead, whose financial troubles and perceived recklessness make him an undesirable choice in Sir Peter’s eyes.

• This conflict highlights Sir Peter's misunderstanding of Joseph's true nature and Maria's independent feelings, which play a key role in the story's unfolding drama.