Question

“Why, what could have taken you out on Tuesday? What did you have to do? “Nothing. I simply felt like going out, and I went out.” “Well I hope you left some suitable excuse,” said her husband, somewhat appeased, as he added a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup. “No, I left no excuse. I told Joe to say I was out, that was all.” “Why, my dear, I should think you’d understand by this time that people don’t do such things; we’ve got to observe les convenances if we ever expect to get on and keep up with the procession. If you felt that you had to leave home this afternoon, you should have left some suitable explanation for your absence.” The excerpt best demonstrates which emerging theme?

Answer 1

Women who do not conform to traditional roles imposed by society are negatively judged.

Answer 2

This excerpt belongs to the novel "The Awakening" written by Kate Chopin and published in 1991. The excerpt best demonstrates the theme of respect and reputation.

In this excerpt, the conversation takes place between Mrs. and Mr. Pontellier. Mrs. Pontellier is criticized by her husband for making an independent decision. Mr. Pontellier insists that he and his wife must keep appearances. In this play, the characters live in a society obsessed with reputation and Mr. Pontellier's attitude reveals that he is so obsessed with appearances that he diminishes the importance of his marriage over it.