Often, people can say different things in different ways, yet they are trying to illustrate the same point. For example, to explain a certain process, one person may use analogies to other similar processes, another person may simply explain the mechanics of the processes, while a third may act the process out. One can also combine all these methods in one to give an effective explanation. Similarly, authors use many different techniques to establish one purpose. In this passage, Chopin achieves her goal of defining Edna Pontellier as a woman who is the opposite of what society expects her to be, an ideal mother-woman, through the description of character action, Edna's interaction with other characters, and the use of organization and circular structure.

Chopin specifically describes the actions of characters in this passage to establish Edna's character. Initially, the actions of Madame Ratignolle are described in order to...