How does the section of background information about Mary (the second and third paragraphs) most strongly contribute to the text as a whole? The section of background information contributes to the controversial focus of the text
The section of background information provides context for why Mary acted as she did once she reached adulthood.
The section of background information paints a complete picture of the fictional characters of Mary and William
The section of background information allows the author to get all the necessary, but boring, information about Mary out of the way before moving on to more interesting things.
Part B:
Which detail from the text best supports your answer from partA?
Molly Pitcher, originally known as Mary Ludwig, was born in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1754 to German immigrant parents.
What she did learn, though, was the value of hard work. Her father was a butcher, and her parents consistently instilled in her the importance of working hard.
Mary took a job as a household servant to Dr. and Mrs. Irvine in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, when she was in her teens. While there, she met William (also known as John) Hays, a barber
Shortly after, in 1773, her husband's name was recorded on a list of supporters for the boycott of British Tea