[robert] never assumed this series-comic tone when alone with mrs. pontellier. she never knew precisely what to make of it; at that moment it was impossible for her to guess how much of it was jest and what proportion was earnest. it was understood that he had often spoken words of love to madame ratignolle, without any thought of being take seriously. *** during his oblivious attention [robert] once quietly rested his head against mrs. pontellier’s arm. as gently she repulsed him. once again he repeated the offense. she could not but believe it to be thoughtlessness on his part; yet that was no reason she should submit to it. he offered no apology. which best explains how these two scenes from chapter 5 contribute to the novel’s plot development? they contribute to the falling action by describing the behaviors that take place between robert, madame ratignolle, and mrs. pontellier. they contribute to the exposition by describing the behaviors that take place between robert, madame ratignolle, and mrs. pontellier. they contribute to the resolution by describing the behaviors that take place between robert, madame ratignolle, and mrs. pontellier. they contribute to the rising action by describing the behaviors that take place between robert, madame ratignolle, and mrs. pontellier.