Read the dialogue between Mrs. and Mr. Pontellier from The Awakening.

“Why, what could have taken you out on Tuesday? What did you have to do?”

“Nothing. I simply felt like going out, and I went out.”

“Well I hope you left some suitable excuse,” said her husband, somewhat appeased, as he added a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup.

“No, I left no excuse. I told Joe to say I was out, that was all.”

“Why, my dear, I should think you’d understand by this time that people don’t do such things; we’ve got to observe les convenances if we ever expect to get on and keep up with the procession. If you felt that you had to leave home this afternoon, you should have left some suitable explanation for your absence.”

Which prediction is most likely based on the themes that have emerged so far in The Awakening?
Mrs. Pontellier will continue to assert her independence in spite of Mr. Pontellier’s disapproving words.
Mrs. Pontellier will give a suitable explanation the next time she makes a decision to leave for the day.
Mr. Pontellier will apologize for the disapproval he showed toward Mrs. Pontellier over her choice to go out.
Mr. Pontellier will hire someone to take over Mrs. Pontellier’s hostess responsibilities so she can do other things.

11 answers

The prediction most likely based on the themes that have emerged so far in The Awakening is:

Mrs. Pontellier will continue to assert her independence in spite of Mr. Pontellier’s disapproving words.

This choice aligns with the central themes of the novel, which include Mrs. Pontellier's struggle for self-identity and autonomy, as well as her growing desire to break free from societal expectations and constraints imposed by her husband and society. The dialogue reveals her growing resistance to the need for "suitable explanations" and her assertion of personal choice, which suggests that she is likely to continue down this path of independence.

Juan is writing a paper about children who play team sports, and he has several potential research questions. Which is his best option?
Do most children enjoy team sports or individual sports?
What team sports are most popular among children?
Why don’t all children participate in team sports?
How does playing a team sport affect a child’s development?

The best option for Juan's research paper about children who play team sports is:

How does playing a team sport affect a child’s development?

This question is the strongest choice because it allows for an in-depth exploration of the various impacts of team sports on children, including social, emotional, and physical development. It invites a comprehensive analysis that can include different dimensions of child development, making it a rich and engaging topic for research. The other questions, while valid, are either more focused on popularity or general enjoyment rather than the broader implications on development, which is likely to be more informative and insightful.

Read each of the excerpts from The Awakening.

[Robert] never assumed this series-comic tone when alone with Mrs. Pontellier. She never knew precisely what to make of it; at that moment it was impossible for her to guess how much of it was jest and what proportion was earnest. It was understood that he had often spoken words of love to Madame Ratignolle, without any thought of being take seriously.

***
During his oblivious attention [Robert] once quietly rested his head against Mrs. Pontellier’s arm. As gently she repulsed him. Once again he repeated the offense. She could not but believe it to be thoughtlessness on his part; yet that was no reason she should submit to it. He offered no apology.

Which best explains why the author included both of these scenes in the story?
to develop background information about the ways in which men and women were expected to interact during the time period
to develop a contrast between the way in which Mrs. Pontellier interacts with Madame Ratignolle and the way she acts with Robert
to develop background information about the longstanding friendship between Robert, Mrs. Ratignolle, and Mrs. Pontellier
to develop a contrast between the way in which Robert interacts with Madame Ratignolle and the way he interacts with Mrs. Pontellier

The best explanation for why the author included both of these scenes in the story is:

to develop a contrast between the way in which Robert interacts with Madame Ratignolle and the way he interacts with Mrs. Pontellier.

These excerpts illustrate the differing dynamics in Robert's interactions. The first excerpt highlights Robert’s playful, non-serious demeanor around Mrs. Pontellier and the ambiguity that creates in their relationship, contrasting with his more straightforward expressions of affection toward Madame Ratignolle. The second excerpt demonstrates a level of intimacy and physical closeness that Mrs. Pontellier does not welcome, indicating a tension in her relationship with Robert that is distinct from the interactions he has with Madame Ratignolle. This contrast emphasizes the complexity of Robert’s feelings for both women and adds depth to the narrative of Mrs. Pontellier's own struggles with her identity and desires.

Read the excerpt from chapter 23 of The Awakening.

Mr. Pontellier himself had no particular leaning toward horseracing, and was even rather inclined to discourage it as a pastime, especially when he considered the fate of that blue-grass farm in Kentucky. He endeavored, in a general way, to express a particular disapproval, and only succeeded in arousing the ire and opposition of his father-in-law. A pretty dispute followed, in which Edna warmly espoused her father's cause and the Doctor remained neutral.
Which statement best describes the point of view in the excerpt?
The first-person point of view is an omniscient observer.
The first-person point of view is voiced by the subjective Mr. Pontellier.
The third-person point of view is an omniscient observer.
The third-person point of view is voiced by the objective Doctor Mandelet.

The statement that best describes the point of view in the excerpt is:

The third-person point of view is an omniscient observer.

The excerpt uses third-person narration to describe the thoughts and actions of Mr. Pontellier and others involved in the dispute without being limited to any one character's perspective. The narrator provides insights into the feelings of Mr. Pontellier, Edna, and the general situation, indicating that the narrator knows the thoughts and motivations of the characters, typical of an omniscient point of view.

Read the excerpt from "A Pair of Silk Stockings" and look at the plot diagram.

“A dollar and ninety-eight cents,” she mused aloud. “Well, I’ll take this pair.” She handed the girl a five dollar bill and waited for her change and for her parcel. What a very small parcel it was! It seemed lost in the depths of her shabby old shopping-bag.
A story timeline showing exposition at the base of the timeline. The rising actions shows an increasing line. The climax is the highest point of the timeline. The falling action shows a decreasing line. The resolution is at the base of the timeline.
Where does this excerpt from the story best fit on the plot diagram?
falling action
exposition
climax
resolution

The excerpt from "A Pair of Silk Stockings" best fits on the plot diagram as part of the rising action.

In this part of the story, the protagonist is making a significant decision to purchase the silk stockings, which indicates a turning point or a buildup of events as she begins to indulge in something that contrasts with her usual life. This moment leads toward the climax, where her choices and the consequences of those choices will unfold. Since the excerpt describes her feeling and the action of buying the stockings, it contributes to the rising action of the narrative.

If you provided the plot diagram that includes the rising action, it would likely show an increasing line leading up to the climax. However, since the options you presented do not include rising action, it's important to recognize that while it does not fit neatly into the other categories presented, it would definitely align with rising action. If forced to choose from your options, it would not fit in the others (exposition, climax, falling action, resolution) as it does represent a developing moment towards the climax.

pick an answer i provided for you

Apologies for the confusion. Based on the options you provided, the best fit for the excerpt from "A Pair of Silk Stockings" on the plot diagram would be rising action. However, since that option is not included in your provided list, I would categorize it as exposition, as it introduces the protagonist's situation and her thoughts about the purchase, setting the stage for further developments in the story.