Question

The afternoon was intensely interesting to her. The excitement came back upon her like a remittent fever. Her talk grew familiar and confidential. It was no labor to become intimate with Arobin. His manner invited easy confidence. The preliminary stage of becoming acquainted was one which he always endeavored to ignore when a pretty and engaging woman was concerned.
Which best describes the narrative voice in the excerpt?
The author uses a character in the story as a narrator to illustrate Arobin’s winning personality.
The author uses a character in the story as a narrator to reveal Edna’s discomfort with the conversation.
The author uses an omniscient narrator to reveal the thoughts and motivations of both characters.
The author uses an omniscient narrator to provide background information about Arobin’s previous marriage.

Answer 1

Answer:

The author uses an omniscient narrator to reveal the thoughts and motivations of both characters.

Explanation:

Kate Chopin's novel "The Awakening" revolves around the character of Edna Pontellier and her struggle to be sexually and emotionally free from the constraints of society and what is expected of her. The story deals with themes of gender, with how women are perceived to be at home and Edna's desire for freedom to do whatever she wants and to enjoy, have fun in her life.

In the given passage from the text, the narrator is an omniscient voice that the author used to reveal the thoughts and feelings of the characters in the scene. This allows the readers an insight into what each character feels and makes the story have multiple windows from which one can view the events. The narrator presents both Edna's thoughts as well as Arobin's.

Thus, the correct answer is the third option.