Read each of the excerpts from The Awakening. The youngsters came tumbling up the steps, the quadroon following at the respectful distance which they required her to observe. Mrs. Pontellier made them carry her paints and things into the house. She sought to detain them for a little talk and some pleasantry. But they were greatly in earnest. They had only come to investigate the contents of the bonbon box.

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[Mrs. Pontellier] stood watching the fair woman walk down the long line of galleries with the grace and majesty which queens are sometimes supposed to possess. Her little ones ran to meet her. Two of them clung about her white skirts, the third she took from its nurse and with a thousand endearments bore it along in her own fond, encircling arms.

Which statement most accurately describes the effect these two scenes have on the plot structure of the novel?
a. They contribute to the falling action by providing further details about Mrs. Pontellier and Madame Ratignolle and the women’s relationships with their children.
b. They contribute to the rising action by providing further details about Mrs. Pontellier and Madame Ratignolle and the women’s relationships with their children.
c. They contribute to the resolution by providing further details about Mrs. Pontellier and Madame Ratignolle and the women’s relationships with their children.
d. They contribute to the exposition by providing further details about Mrs. Pontellier and Madame Ratignolle and the women’s relationships with their children.