Considering both the historical commentary and the excerpt, which of the following best explains how Mr. Pontellier is characterized in The Awakening?
• A. He is portrayed positively, as someone who works hard to look after his family's comforts.
CB. He is portrayed negatively, as someone who is selfish and unconcerned with his wife's
needs.
C. He is portrayed as a weak and vulnerable man who needs his wife's support to manage household responsibilities
D. He is portrayed as a strong and confident man who believes that a man's social status is the mark of his progress.