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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Edna's father believes her marriage would be stronger if:
(a) Mr. Pontellier would stay home full-time with her.
(b) Mr. Pontellier supported her painting career.
(c) Mr. Pontellier made her his business partner.
(d) Mr. Pontellier stayed home more evenings with her.

2. Why does Edna cry when she listens to Mademoiselle Reisz play the piano?
(a) It is actually awful but she cannot bring herself to say so.
(b) It elicits the emotions she felt earlier in the summer.
(c) It is too beautiful to imagine.
(d) It reminds her of Leonce.

3. Does Robert know that Edna is reading his letters to Mademoiselle Reisz?
(a) It is possible but not clear
(b) No, or he would stop writing
(c) Yes, that is why he keeps writing
(d) Yes but he does not seem to care

4. Alone with Edna, what does Alcee show her?
(a) His private collection of paintings
(b) His journals
(c) Scars on his back from beatings during his childhood
(d) A scar from a saber cut he got at age 19

5. How does Mr. Pontellier save his public image?
(a) By calling friends and begging for their pity
(b) By running off to Europe
(c) By putting a notice in the paper announcing his company's success
(d) By putting a notice in the paper announcing his family's upcoming sojourn

6. How does Robert react to the sight of Alcee's photograph?
(a) Quizzically
(b) Angrily
(c) With coolness
(d) Sadly

7. Describe Alcee's kiss with Edna:
(a) It was a flaming torch that kindled desire.
(b) It was cold, unemotional.
(c) It was the kind of kiss a brother gives a sister.
(d) Edna felt like a whore afterward.

8. What does Victor take from Mrs. Highcamp?
(a) Her purse
(b) Her skirt
(c) Her scarf
(d) Her cane

9. Mr. Pontellier thinks something's wrong with Edna because:
(a) She paints disturbing portraits.
(b) She forgets her housework, comes in late and does not associate with anyone.
(c) She is speaking in French most of the time.
(d) She has lost much weight.

10. What does Edna want to do before dinner?
(a) Go fishing
(b) Play the piano
(c) Take a nap
(d) Bathe in the ocean

11. Who does Mr. Pontellier discuss with the doctor?
(a) Etienne and Raoul
(b) Janet, Edna's sister
(c) Adele
(d) Edna, his wife

12. How does Mr. Pontellier take the news of his wife's move?
(a) Well--he expected it.
(b) With joy
(c) With bewilderment
(d) With unqualified disapproval and remonstrance

13. What does Alcee call Edna's new home?
(a) The bird's nest
(b) The ostrich's retreat
(c) The love lair
(d) The pigeon-house

14. How does Edna react to the note?
(a) She thinks it is a joke and laughs.
(b) She thinks Robert has lost his mind so she goes to sleep.
(c) She is not upset. She knew this would happen.
(d) She is devastated. She does not sleep all night.

15. Why does Mr. Pontellier not try to persuade Edna to go to the wedding?
(a) He thinks she needs to stay back and look after the house.
(b) He thinks it will get him out of going as well.
(c) He is following the doctor's advice to let her do as she likes.
(d) He does not want to bring her.

Short Answer Questions

1. What effect has Alcee had on Edna?

2. What does Edna do after Alcee leaves?

3. What announcement does Edna make at Mademoiselle Reisz's?

4. Whose wedding does Edna refuse to attend?

5. Describe the nature of Robert's and Edna's conversation:

(see the answer keys)

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