This question seems to refer to the short story "By the Waters of Babylon," by author Stephen Vincent Benét.
Answer:
I believe there are two correct answers for this question. Since you did not post anything about how many options should be checked, I will select both of them.
The dialogue develops the characters by showing how:
B. the son has grown stronger and wiser than his father.
C. both men respect their traditions and love one another
Explanation:
The dialogue between John and his father in "By the Waters of Babylon" reveals how much John has grown. Now that he has become a man, he asks his father for permission to leave their land. John is a priest, just like his father. This is a post-apocalyptic scenario in which societal beliefs are based on superstitions and the fear of the unknown.
John wants to leave and explore, but his father fears for him. They love and respect each other. John would not leave without his father's permission; his father would not let John leave without giving him his blessing:
"My son," he said. "Once I had young dreams. If your dreams do not eat you up, you may be a great priest. If they eat you, you are still my son. Now go on your journey."
John and his father follow the traditions and rules of their people. John does not stop obeying them just because he is leaving. Quite the contrary, he maintains and respects them, just like his father:
That night, in the house of the priesthood, I asked for and received purification.
The dialogue also reveals how much stronger and wiser than his own father John has grown. While his father is still attached to superstitions, John wishes to know more and learn the truth:
His eyes were stern when I told him he was no longer my father but a priest. [...]
"This is a very strong dream," he said." It may eat you up."
"I am not afraid," I said and looked at him with both eyes.
