The best explanation for why the author includes this text in chapter 1 is to help the reader understand the kinds of noises that exist in the novel’s setting. The detailed description of the sounds, such as the birds, the piano duet, and Madame Lebrun's high-voiced commands, creates a vibrant atmosphere and immerses the reader in the setting of the story.
Read the excerpt from chapter 1 of The Awakening.
The chattering and whistling birds were still at it. Two young girls, the Farival twins, were playing a duet from “Zampa” upon the piano. Madame Lebrun was bustling in and out, giving orders in a high key to a yard-boy whenever she got inside the house, and directions in an equally high voice to a dining-room servant whenever she got outside.
Which best explains why the author includes this text in chapter 1?
to help the reader understand the location of the main house in the novel’s setting
to help the reader understand Madame Lebrun’s motivation for using a high voice to give orders
to help the reader understand the kinds of noises that exist in the novel’s setting
to help the reader understand why the Farival twins are playing a duet on the piano
11 answers
He fixed his gaze upon a white sunshade that was advancing at snail’s pace from the beach. He could see it plainly between the gaunt trunks of the water-oaks and across the stretch of yellow camomile.
Which phrase from the excerpt gives the best evidence that “gaunt” means “thin”?
“advancing at snail’s pace”
“He could see it plainly”
“across the stretch of yellow camomile”
“trunks of the water-oaks”
The phrase from the excerpt that gives the best evidence that “gaunt” means “thin” is “trunks of the water-oaks.” The use of "gaunt" to describe the trunks suggests that they are tall and thin in appearance, which aligns with the meaning of the word.
She was a fresh, pretty woman, clad always in white with elbow sleeves.
Which words give the best evidence that “clad” means “clothed”?
“in white”
“elbow sleeves”
“pretty woman”
“always in”
The words that give the best evidence that “clad” means “clothed” are “always in.” This phrase indicates that the woman is consistently dressed in a particular way, suggesting that "clad" refers to being clothed or dressed.
Both children wanted to follow their father when they saw him starting out. He kissed them and promised to bring them back bonbons and peanuts.
What is the correct meaning of the word “bonbons” based on its usage in the excerpt?
carrots
towels
letters
candies
The correct meaning of the word “bonbons” based on its usage in the excerpt is candies. In this context, "bonbons" refers to a type of sweet treat or confection.
He walked down the gallery and across the narrow “bridges” which connected the Lebrun cottages one with the other. He had been seated before the door of the main house. The parrot and the mockingbird were the property of Madame Lebrun, and they had the right to make all the noise they wished. Mr Pontellier had the privilege of quitting their society when they ceased to be entertaining.
What is the correct meaning of the word “ceased” based on its usage in the excerpt?
started
performed
continued
stopped
The correct meaning of the word “ceased” based on its usage in the excerpt is stopped. In this context, "ceased" indicates that the noise or entertainment from the parrot and mockingbird came to an end.
He stopped before the door of his own cottage, which was the fourth one from the main building and next to the last. Seating himself in a wicker rocker which was there, he once more applied himself to the task of reading the newspaper. The day was Sunday; the paper was a day old. The Sunday papers had not yet reached Grand Isle.
Which best explains why the author explains that the “Sunday papers had not yet reached Grand Isle”?
to help the reader picture Mr. Pontellier’s frustration with reading a newspaper that is a day old
to help the reader understand why people from the “Quartier Français” vacation on Grand Isle
to help the reader understand why Mr. Pontellier decides to read the newspaper at his cottage
to help the reader picture the separation between Grand Isle and the coast of Louisiana
The best explanation for why the author explains that the “Sunday papers had not yet reached Grand Isle” is to help the reader picture the separation between Grand Isle and the coast of Louisiana. This detail emphasizes the island's remoteness and the delay in receiving news, which is important for setting the scene and understanding the context of the characters' lives.