Final answer:
The provided texts are literary excerpts that focus on character development and setting, highlighting themes such as loneliness, societal roles, and personal struggles within the context of the characters' lives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The excerpts provided reflect elements of characterization and setting in literature. These passages showcase the lives of women in different circumstances, revealing their thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. Through these descriptions, readers gain insights into the characters' lives, emphasizing themes such as loneliness, societal expectations, and inner strength.
The first excerpt speaks of a woman who, despite her affluence and appearance, feels a deep sense of loneliness. The contrast between her outward situation and inner emotion underscores the complexity of the human experience. In the second passage, we are introduced to a character reflecting on her childhood and experiences with different familial figures, revealing a backstory filled with nuance and personal growth.
The third snippet implies the hardship and bravery of a woman named Mary living through war, suggesting themes of courage and survival. The last excerpt contrasts two cousins, Marjorie and Bernice, highlighting differences in their personalities and attitudes towards femininity. Marjorie's independence and lack of interest in typically feminine behaviors alienate Bernice, who longs for a more intimate, sisterly relationship.