How does Marmee provoke a decision from her daughters by asking them if they will help a needy family, instead of simply telling them to do so. -"Little Woman"

Sounds as if she is trying to get a good answer out of them and testing how honest and responsible they are. It may have been the way she looked or said it wich can provoke them from saying the opposite of what she wants to hear.

Explanation:

if you want me to check your answer i agree with what you put. i read the story