the most stressed word

[Shinya Maki]

In Patti’s line “But the salaries are good” in the dialogue below, which word should be stressed most (ie. highlighted most), 1, 2, 3, or 4?
1. But 2. salaries 3. are 4. good

In my opinion, 2 or 4. What do you think?

Patti: Alice! Have you seen this ad in this paper?
Alice: Oh, yes … but I’m not interested in finding a new job. I’ve been here since I left school. I like working here.
Patti: Really? I’ve only been here for two years, and I’m already tired of doing the same thing every day. I’m afraid of getting really bored.
Alice: Oh, come on! It’s not that bad. You’ll do the same thing there every day.
Patti: But the salaries are good.
Alice: I’m not interested in earning more money. I’ve got enough now.
Patti: I can never have enough. Of course you live at home with your parents.
Alice: I like living with my parents.
Patti: Nothing. But I think being independent. I like traveling, I enjoy meeting new people. I’m going to apply for the job.
Alice: Well, good luck!

[Rusty]

In Patti’s line “But the salaries are good in the dialogue below, which word should be stressed most (ie. highlighted most), 1, 2, 3, or 4?
1. But 2. salaries 3. are 4. good

In my opinion, 2 or 4. What do you think?

Patti: Alice! Have you seen this ad in this paper?
Alice: Oh, yes … but I’m not interested in finding a new job. I’ve been here since I left school. I like working here.
Patti: Really? I’ve only been here for two years, and I’m already tired of doing the same thing every day. I’m afraid of getting really bored.
Alice: Oh, come on! It’s not that bad. You’ll do the same thing there every day.
Patti: But the salaries are good.
Alice: I’m not interested in earning more money. I’ve got enough now.
Patti: I can never have enough. Of course you live at home with your parents.
Alice: I like living with my parents.
Patti: Nothing. But I think being independent. I like traveling, I enjoy meeting new people. I’m going to apply for the job.
Alice: Well, good luck!


I agree with you. Salaries and good are stressed.
I do have a question about Patti's comment: "Nothing." What does she mean?

[Shinya Maki]

Hello, Rusty.

Thank you for your reply. It really helps.

But I would like to ask you further. If you were forced to pick just one word for the most stressed word in Patti’s line “But the salaries are good,” which would you choose, (2) salaries or (4) good?

As for “Nothing,” I’m sorry I skipped one line by Alice “What’s wrong with that?” just after “I like living with my parents.”

Sincerely,
Shinya Maki

[Rusty]

Hello, Rusty.

Thank you for your reply. It really helps.

But I would like to ask you further. If you were forced to pick just one word for the most stressed word in Patti’s line “But the salaries are good,” which would you choose, (2) salaries or (4) good?

As for “Nothing,” I’m sorry I skipped one line by Alice “What’s wrong with that?” just after “I like living with my parents.”

Sincerely,
Shinya Maki
My choice of one word is good. That is the important word.

[Shinya Maki]

Hello Rusty:

Thank you for your help. It helps a lot.

Shinya Maki