Final answer:
The question pertains to the literary analysis of character development and authorial technique in English literature at the college level, specifically focusing on the depiction of female characters in various texts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question refers to literary analysis within the English discipline, and it seems to be at a college level, given the complexity of the textual analysis required. The excerpts mentioned are derived from different literary works and pertain to how female characters are described and presented in those narratives, suggesting an analysis of character development and authorial technique.
Characters like Mrs. Bennett and Mrs. Brown are crafted with certain literary techniques that either "show" or "tell" the reader about their personalities and actions. For instance, in Jane Austen's works, direct reporting of speech and actions allows readers to deduce a character's values and attitudes without direct access to their inner thoughts, whereas other authors might use third-person narrative to articulate a character's internal state or to create a dramatic effect from an external perspective.
The passage on Mrs. Steichen's testimony highlights the use of direct discourse in court testimonies and how it can convey a character's emotions and intentions.
The significance of these narrative techniques contributes to the depth and authenticity of characters within the literary works, influencing the readers' understanding and emotional engagement with the story.