Question

[Robert] never assumed this series-comic tone when alone with Mrs. Pontellier. She never knew precisely what to make of it; at that moment it was impossible for her to guess how much of it was jest and what proportion was earnest. It was understood that he had often spoken words of love to Madame Ratignolle, without any thought of being take seriously. During his oblivious attention [Robert] once quietly rested his head against Mrs. Pontellier’s arm. As gently she repulsed him. Once again he repeated the offense. She could not but believe it to be thoughtlessness on his part; yet that was no reason she should submit to it. He offered no apology. Which best explains why the author included both of these scenes in the story? to develop background information about the ways in which men and women were expected to interact during the time period to develop a contrast between the way in which Mrs. Pontellier interacts with Madame Ratignolle and the way she acts with Robert to develop background information about the longstanding friendship between Robert, Mrs. Ratignolle, and Mrs. Pontellier to develop a contrast between the way in which Robert interacts with Madame Ratignolle and the way he interacts with Mrs. Pontellier

Answer 1

The correct answer would be A. to develop a contrast between the way in which Mrs. Pontellier and Madame Ratignolle carry out traditional female roles

Answer 2

The author included both of these scenes in the story to develop a contrast between the way in which Robert interacts with Madame Ratignolle and the way he interacts with Mrs. Pontellier.

"The Awakening" is a novel written by the author Kate Chopin, which is considered one of the first works of feminist literature in America. The book explains many issues of women's lives, like the meaning of femininity and the struggle of motherhood. It also discusses the political and social climate of the country, and in particular the South, at the turn of the century. In these scenes the author wanted to make a comparison and make the reader understand how there is a different attitude from Robert towards Madame Ratignolle and Mrs. Pontellier.