Kate Chopins The Awakening - Book Report/Review Example

The style of language in this paragraph is in a formal manner. The passage obeys the formal rules of grammar, in which every sentence makes perfect sense and the word choice is precise. The formal use of language confirms that the characters are of an upper class. “Coming back to dinner?” is a phrase used by the wealthy upper-class society. In this case, the author uses language to define the social position of the characters. At the same time, she provides details and specific emphasis on points that she deems significant.

When she asks his husband whether he would be at home for dinner, he does not simply say ‘no’ but offers a detailed presentation of why and where he would be busy. Chopin says, “It all depended upon the company which he found over at Klein’s and the size of “the game”. Through this detail and emphasis, we become aware that his husband would be busy at work, and that he has a company. The last sentence, “He did not say this, but she understood it, and laughed, nodding good-by to him”, signifies her failure to express her feelings.

The chauvinistic society at her time gave women limited opportunities for expression concerning their emotional wants. It shows that the two both value his work because of the social status and self-esteem it accompanies. The use of language in the passage indicates that work is the most important thing because it determines his availability for supper.