Final answer:
Mrs. Hale's statement in passage 2 emphasizes the solidarity among women within a patriarchal society, reflecting on the shared experiences and emotional connections despite physical or emotional distances. Option D is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "I might 'a' known she needed help! I tell you, it's queer, Mrs. Peters. We live close together and we live far apart. We all go through the same things-it's all just a different kind of the same thing!" from Mrs. Hale in passage 2 captures the essence of shared experiences among women, despite the physical or emotional distances between them. This statement contributes to the main theme of the passage by reinforcing the solidarity between women who share a common bond of oppression within a patriarchal society. The phrase underscores the collective struggle they face and the unspoken understanding that exists among them as they navigate their roles in society, which often involves enduring similar forms of domestic or emotional hardship.
In parsing Mrs. Hale's sentiments, we observe a recognition of community and mutual support that emerges in crises, pointing to the larger thematic elements concerning gender roles and the invisible labor of women. Mrs. Hale's regret for not having been more supportive of Minnie Foster reveals a poignant commentary on the missed opportunities for women to connect and assist one another, further highlighting the cultural and systemic isolation they endure. Therefore, the correct option that aligns with this interpretation of Mrs. Hale's statement is:
D. It reinforces a solidarity between the women who are oppressed by a patriarchal society.