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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 see when Mademoiselle Reisz plays?

2. Why does Edna choose to remain in the hammock?

3. Where is Robert when Edna discovers his plan?

4. Where is Leonce when Edna returns from the Cheniere?

5. Who does Edna search for?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the first impression the author gives of Mrs. Pontellier?

2. Describe Mrs. Pontellier's reaction to hearing Mademoiselle Reisz's performance.

3. Madame Ratignolle--what kind of woman is she?

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

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

6. What is it about the ocean that emboldens Edna?

7. What is the first thing that Edna wonders after she wakes up at Madame Antoine's?

8. Robert talks about his mother, Mrs. Lebrun. What does his mother do at the Grande Isle?

9. Once Edna has returned to the cottage, she finds herself alone and contemplates her life. Does she feel that she has changed since arriving at the Grande Isle? Does she understand how these changes, however small or dramatic, could be life-changing for her?

10. Why do you think Mr. Pontellier is so enraged at his wife when he thinks Raoul has a fever?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although Mademoiselle Reisz is not a lifelong friend or acquaintance, how does she quickly become close with Edna? Why is she an important person in Edna's life? Why is she a critical character in this entire story?

Essay Topic 2

The story begins at Grand Isle and ends there. Why?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 849 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample