Question

They sat in the library after dinner and read the evening papers together under the droplight; while the younger people went into the drawing-room near by and talked. Miss Highcamp played some selections from Grieg upon the piano. She seemed to have apprehended all of the composer's coldness and none of his poetry. While Edna listened she could not help wondering if she had lost her taste for music. Which best describes the narrative voice of the excerpt? The author uses an objective observer to present a factual telling of the events of the story. The author uses a subjective observer to present subtle judgments about the characters. The author uses the point of view of a character in the story to offer insight into Mrs. Highcamp’s talents. The author uses the point of view of a character in the story to reveal the young people’s disinterest.

Answer 1

Answer:

The author uses a subjective observer to present subtle judgments about the characters.

Explanation:

Kate Chopin's "The Awakening" revolves around the story of Mrs. Edna Pontellier and her inner desires to be her own, do things her way, and express and say whatever she wishes. The story also deals with themes of freedom, society's expectations of women, etc.

In the given excerpt from the novel, the author uses a subjective observer who provides the readers with subtle judgments of the characters. Here, the unknown observer tells us about Miss Highcamp "[who] seemed to have apprehended all of the composer's coldness and none of his poetry." Even Mrs. Pontellier is not left behind. The observer remarks, "While Edna listened she could not help wondering if she had lost her taste for music."

Thus, the correct answer is the second option.