Read the excerpt from The Awakening. A certain light was beginning to dawn dimly within her,—the light which, showing the way, forbids it.

At that early period it served but to bewilder her. It moved her to dreams, to thoughtfulness, to the shadowy anguish which had overcome her the midnight when she had abandoned herself to tears.

Which statement best explains why the author reveals a moment of epiphany for Mrs. Pontellier in the excerpt?
A. The author is introducing the reader to the character of Mrs. Pontellier as part of the novel’s exposition.
B. The author is revealing the secrets of Mrs. Pontellier as part of the novel’s climax.
C. The author is developing Mrs. Pontellier’s character as part of the novel’s rising action.
D. The author is showing Mrs. Pontellier’s reaction to earlier events as part of the falling action of the novel.