The answer is:
They contribute to the rising action by describing the behaviors that take place between Robert, Madame Ratignolle, and Mrs. Pontellier.
In literature, the rising action is the series of circumstances which create suspense and later lead to the point of most exciting interest.
In the excerpts from "The Awakening," the author Kate Chopin creates a contrast between Robert's behavior towards Mrs. Pontellier and Madame Ratignolle. While he speaks in an sincere manner to Edna, he treats Madame Ratignolle combining serious and funny and with playful intentions.