What background knowledge would best add to a reader's understanding of the excerpt?

Read this excerpt from wheels of change by sue macy.that said, it's hard to grasp the full extent of the bicycle's impact on americans in the late 19th century—particularly female americans. imagine a population imprisoned by their very clothing; the stiff corsets, heavy skirts, and voluminous petticoats that made it difficult to take a deep breath, let alone exercise. add to that the laws and social conventions that cemented a man's place as head of the household and holder of the purse strings. how suffocated women must have felt. and how liberated they must have been as they pedaled their wheels toward new horizons.what is the central idea of the excerpt

What does this dialogue reveal about louise? she follows some of the spiritual ideas of the pueblo people. she is a devout follower of the catholic church. she often turns to father paul for support and guidance. she wants teofilo to receive his last rites from father paul.

Which is easier to identify direct or indirect characterization? why