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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. What explanation does Robert give for not writing to Edna?
(a) The postal rates were too high.
(b) He thought writing to Mademoiselle Reisz was enough.
(c) He could not find pen and paper.
(d) He thought she would not find his letters interesting.

2. What worries Mr. Pontellier about this situation?
(a) Whether he will be attractive to other women
(b) He does not care.
(c) How it will affect his health
(d) His financial integrity

3. Describe the nature of Robert's and Edna's conversation:
(a) Very intellectual
(b) As if they had never left each other
(c) A bit awkward, mostly small talk
(d) Very proper and polite

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

5. What does Mademoiselle Reisz say is essential to becoming a true artist?
(a) A good education
(b) Passionate experience
(c) Good painting technique
(d) A courageous and brave soul

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Mr. Pontellier drop in to visit in town one morning?

2. Who is Edna thinking of when she returns home?

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

4. At the last moment, which two guests do not show up at Edna's dinner party?

5. Mr. Pontellier thinks something's wrong with Edna because:

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Mr. Pontellier talk to Dr. Mandelet about Edna? Why can he not talk to his wife himself?

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

3. 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?

4. Describe how Edna feels once she is truly alone.

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

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

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

8. 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?

9. Is the dinner party a grand affair?

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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