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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. What does Edna do after her conversation with Mademoiselle Reisz?

2. What does Edna call the piece she often hears Mademoiselle Reisz play?

3. Raoul's condition prompts Mr. Pontellier to accuse his wife of:

4. Madame Lebrun remarks that sometimes she thinks Mrs. Pontellier is:

5. What does Robert jokingly say happened to Mrs. Pontellier when she was in the ocean?

Short Essay Questions

1. Chopin uses the image of water as a symbol for what?

2. In Chapter 11, Edna defies her husband. Is she victorious?

3. Why does Robert want to stay and talk to Edna rather than leave?

4. Why does Edna leave the Ratignolles in a depressed rather than a happy state of mind?

5. Why do you think Robert manages to get Mademoiselle Reisz to play for Edna?

6. Why doe Edna feel so comfortable in Madame Antoine's house right away?

7. What is the purpose of Mariequita in this part of the story?

8. The author says that Edna's will had blazed up. However, Leonce has a strong will, too. What is going on in this chapter? How is the Pontellier marriage changing?

9. Given all of the time and attention and affection from Robert and now his sudden departure, what kind of person is he? Do you think he is different from the man you first read about? Has he been deceptive? Is he fearful?

10. Despite growing closer to Adele, why does Edna still not reveal her thoughts to Adele?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is The Awakening a critique of women's stature in the late 19th century? Was Kate Chopin taking a risk by writing this at the time she did?

Essay Topic 2

Edna could have insisted that Robert come with her to the Ratignolle's house but did not. If they had gone together, would they have had a chance at a lifetime of happiness, or, were they doomed no matter what?

Essay Topic 3

When Edna and Dr. Mandelet leave the Ratignolle house (Chapter 38), the doctor says "It seems to me my dear child, you seem to me to be in trouble." Although he does not ask her what is bothering her, he offers to hear her out and help her. He also believes that he knows what is troubling her. Could he have saved her if she had let him?

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