Read the excerpt from chapter 30 of The Awakening. "There are so many inquisitive people and institutions abounding" said Arobin, "that one is really forced as a matt of convenience these days to assume the virtue of an occupation if he has it not." Monsieur Ratignolle stared a lit and turned to ask Mademoiselle Reisz if she considered the symphony concerts up to the standard which had be 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.

Monsieur Ratignolle's reaction to Arobin's remark reveals:

D. Monsieur Ratignolle is a traditional family man, unable to understand Arobin's unconventional choices.

Explanation:

In Kate Chopin's "The Awakening", characters Monsieur Alphonse Ratignolle and  Alcée Arobin seem to function as each other's foil. That is, they are each other's opposite, one seeming to enhance the qualities of the other precisely because of such difference.

Arobin is a womanizer - a Don Juan type. He has a more carefree way of viewing and facing life. As a matter of fact, he becomes the main character's - Edna - lover. On the other hand, Monsieur Ratignolle is a role model of character and faithfulness. He and his wife seem to represent the ideal married couple. Ratignolle is regarded by his community as an example of integrity.

With that in mind, we can easily choose letter D as the best option: Monsieur Ratignolle is a traditional family man, unable to understand Arobin's unconventional choices.

did you ever get an answer? i'm on the same question : (

the correct answer is:   [d]:   " espionage " .

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