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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is Mildred Orme?

2. What does Léonce think he has learned by Edna's interaction with her father?

3. What does the character not perceive?

4. When does Mr. Pontellier arrive at the cottage after the swim?

5. Where does Edna plan to move?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Edna goes to be with Madame Ratignolle as she is having her baby?

2. What is the creature's situation like at the opening of the story?

3. Why does Edna decide to move into a smaller house and what does the staff call the house?

4. Describe the scene when Victor upsets Edna.

5. Who is Robert LeBrun?

6. Describe one of Edna's childhood crushes.

7. What happens when Mr. Pontellier arrives home at eleven?

8. What analogy does Edna think of from her childhood?

9. What does Madame Ratignolle ask of Edna and what does she think of the pigeon house?

10. Describe Edna's terrifying water experience.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Creole culture and the culture of the United States at that time in general in the late 1800s is fertile ground for sexism. Discuss one of the following:

1. Research the existence of sexism in the South and the United States and analyze The Awakening and one other short story for its accuracy and/or inaccuracy in its portrayal of sexism.

2. Trace and analyze the theme of sexism throughout The Awakening. Who are the most obvious sexist? Who are perhaps subtly sexist? Are any of the characters free of sexism? Who? Why do you say so?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of sexism in three of the short stories. Who are the most obvious sexist? Who are perhaps subtly sexist? Are any of the characters free of sexism? Who? Why do you say so?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. Discuss the theme of choice in The Awakening and two of the short stories. Who makes wise choices? Who makes unwise choices? Do you think Edna believes more in fate or free will? Why?

2. Debate the following statement in an argument/persuasion essay: Making several poor choices one after the other makes it more likely one will continue to make poor choices.

3. Rewrite the ending with Edna making what you think would be a wiser choice and then discuss why you believe it would be a better choice.

Essay Topic 3

The Awakening, as does several of the short stores ends on an unhappy or seemingly morbid note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of The Awakening and the short stories and whether or not Chopin's works fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Chopin's works are or are not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,048 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample