Read the excerpt from chapter 30 of The Awakening. "There are so many inquisitive people and institutions abounding," said Arobi
n, "that one is really forced as a matter of convenience these days to assume the virtue of an occupation if he has it not." Monsieur Ratignolle stared a little, and turned to ask Mademoiselle Reisz if she considered the symphony concerts up to the standard which had been set the previous winter. What does Monsieur Ratignolle’s reaction to Arobin’s remark reveal about the difference in the men’s characters? Monsieur Ratignolle is a married man who loves his wife deeply, while Arobin cannot fathom such devotion. Monsieur Ratignolle turns from the conversation because he is envious of Arobin’s carefree attitude. Monsieur Ratignolle does not have Arobin’s sense of humor and is therefore deeply offended by him. Monsieur Ratignolle is a traditional family man, unable to understand Arobin’s unconventional choices.
