Final answer:
The term 'Banked' is utilized to help readers visualize a house surrounded by smaller cottages, signifying a center of wealth and social hub.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word "Banked" is used by the author to describe the layout of cottages in the novel to help the reader visualize a house bordered by smaller cottages. This spatial arrangement helps create a picture of the setting in the reader's mind, imbuing the locale with a sense of exclusivity and community among the Lebruns and their visitors. The use of the term conjures an image of the main house as a sort of financial 'bank' or center of wealth and social activity, with the smaller cottages nestled around it like protective barriers or precious assets. This setup illustrates the social structure and dynamics at play in the narrative, emphasizing the centrality of the Lebruns' residence in the social life of Grand Isle.