Question

Read each of the excerpts from The Awakening.

[Roger] 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.

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During his oblivious attention [Roger] 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 how these two scenes from chapter 5 contribute to the novel’s plot development?
A) They contribute to the exposition by providing background information on Roger’s previous relationships with Madame Ratignolle and Mrs. Pontellier.
B) They contribute to the rising action by demonstrating the different behaviors Roger uses with Madame Ratignolle and Mrs. Pontellier.
C) They contribute to the resolution by presenting a solution to the central problem taking place between Roger, Madame Ratignolle, and Mrs. Pontellier.
D) They contribute to the falling action by restoring a sense of harmony to the friendship between Roger, Madame Ratignolle, and Mrs. Pontellier.

Answer 1

B) They contribute to the rising action by demonstrating the different behaviors Robert uses with Madame Ratignolle and Mrs. Pontellier.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

Let's just make a small correction before answering the question. The name in brackets should be "Robert" and not "Roger".

Answer:

These two scenes from chapter 5 contribute to the novel's plot development because:

B) They contribute to the rising action by demonstrating the different behaviors Robert uses with Madame Ratignolle and Mrs. Pontellier.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mrs. Edna Pontellier is the main character in Kate Chopin's novel "The Awakening". The two excerpts we are analyzing here are part of the plot's rising action, that is, the moment in the story where conflicts begin to develop, creating the tension that will lead to the climax. In this case, the conflicts come through Robert's behavior toward Edna and Madame Ratignolle. Edna does not know what to make of it. Is he truly in love with her? Is he just being playful, as he usually is toward other women?

To summarize the story briefly, Edna goes through a series of awakenings that make her realize she is unhappy fulfilling the roles of wife and mother. Robert, who eventually becomes her lover, helps her attend to her own needs. Edna ends up isolated, since society has a hard time accepting her new, independent self.