Final answer:
Laura's character is revealed through her dialogue and actions, which are crucial to literary analysis as they provide insight into her personality and contribute to the development of the story. The way these elements are used within the rhetorical situation enriches our understanding of the character and the narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding a character's portrayal is imperative in literary analysis, particularly through their dialogue and actions. When analyzing Laura's dialogue and actions specifically in paragraphs 9–10, we can infer certain characteristics that she embodies. Her dialogue may display a range of emotions or intentions, for example, if her speech is exaggerated or artificial, it may suggest she's trying to convince someone of something or hide her true feelings. Equally, her actions within the text can serve to further reveal her personality or state of mind, such as exhibiting nervousness, excitement, or determination. If her actions are described as deliberate or meticulous, it may show us that Laura is a careful and thoughtful character. The manner in which a writer utilizes dialogue and actions to develop character and engage the reader is a testament to their command of narrative techniques.
As with any close reading, looking into how the writer employs these techniques within the rhetorical situation—taking into account the narrator, message, audience, purpose, context, and culture—enhances our understanding of the character and the writer's intent. By dissecting these elements, we not only gain insight into Laura's character but also the story's deeper themes and messages.