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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What does Edna do while her husband is in New York?
(a) She redecorates the house.
(b) She learns needlepoint.
(c) She plays card games.
(d) She spends time with Mrs. Highcamp and Alcee Arobin.

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

4. Who suddenly appears before Victor and Mariequita?
(a) Alcee Arobin
(b) Madame Lebrun
(c) Mrs. Highcamp
(d) Mrs. Pontellier

5. Where is Edna at the end of this story?
(a) In the ocean, physically too tired to swim back
(b) Back on Esplanade Street, with Leonce
(c) On a ship to Mexico
(d) Having dinner with Victor and Mariequita

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Robert react to the sight of Alcee's photograph?

2. Why does Madame Ratignolle complain to Edna?

3. Of what does Edna speak with authority?

4. Describe Alcee's kiss with Edna:

5. What does Edna regret about her kiss with Alcee?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Edna call her move and dinner party a "coup d'etat"?

2. What do you think happens to Edna? Does she die in the ocean? Does she make it back?

3. Why does the photo of Alcee Arobin upset Robert so much when he goes back to the pigeon-house with her?

4. Edna and Mademoiselle Reisz have a spirited discussion when they meet again. Describe the things they say to one another. Is this a pair of women who really like each other?

5. Edna tells Mademoiselle Reisz that she is going to move out of her house and that she is in love with Robert. Are either of these actions wise?

6. Edna goes to Mademoiselle Reisz's for refuge, as well as to find out the latest news about Robert. What happens when she is at Mademoiselle Reisz's alone, waiting for the pianist, and Robert shows up out of the blue?

7. Why does Madame Ratignolle urge Edna to think of her children?

8. Why does Edna enjoy horse racing so much?

9. Did the author give any warning that this love affair might not end happily?

10. Is Leonce at all worried about the breakup of his marriage emotionally? Is he making arrangements to hide his real feelings?

(see the answer keys)

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