Read the excerpt from the awakening, and look at the plot diagram. they formed a congenial group sitting there that summer afternoon—madame ratignolle sewing away, often stopping to relate a story or incident with much expressive gesture of her perfect hands; robert and mrs. pontellier sitting idle, exchanging occasional words, glances or smiles which indicated a certain advanced stage of intimacy and camaraderie. which best explains this excerpt’s purpose in the novel’s plot structure? a. the excerpt establishes the setting as part of the exposition. b. the excerpt builds suspense as part of the rising action. c. the excerpt forms the point of greatest tension and acts as the climax. d. the excerpt provides background information on a character as part of the exposition.