The answer is:
They contribute to the rising action by describing the behaviors that take place between Robert, Madame Ratignolle, and Mrs. Pontellier.
Rising action is the development of incidents which create apprehension and then move to the point of greatest significance and excitement.
In the passages from Kate Chopin's "The Awakening," the author establishes a comparison between Robert's attitude towards Mrs. Pontellier and Madame Ratignolle. At the same time he addresses Edna in an honest way, he talks to Madame Ratignolle mixing serious and funny behavior.