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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 Robert say in response to Edna's comment that they have spent the entire day together?

2. What does Mrs. Pontellier overhear Madame Ratignolle relate to Monsieur Farival in great detail?

3. What does Edna realize about herself after learning of Robert's departure?

4. What does Madame Ratignolle do to Edna that she first finds unsettling?

5. Where is Robert when Edna discovers his plan?

Short Essay Questions

1. Mrs. Pontellier and Madame Ratignolle have a heated argument in which Edna says she would be willing to give up anything for her children except for herself. What does she mean by this? And why does it upset Madame Ratignolle so much?

2. What do you think the author means when she says Edna was beginning to understand her place in the universe as a woman and as a human being?

3. How does Chopin use foreshadowing in this chapter to warn of events to come?

4. Before Edna visits the Ratignolles, she is consumed by thoughts of Robert. Is she obsessed? Infatuated? Are her feelings genuine?

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

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

7. If Edna were to tell Leonce how she really felt, would he understand? Would he listen? How would she tell him so it would get through to him?

8. Is Edna taking a big risk by going to the Lebrun house to find Mademoiselle Reisz's address?

9. Why does Adele urge Robert not to pursue Edna?

10. Despite his sudden departure, and the way in which she found out he was leaving, Edna really misses him. Why is his absence so painful for her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At one point, Edna says that "Her marriage to Leonce Pontellier was purely an accident." Why?

Essay Topic 2

Why does Alcee call Edna's new home the "pigeon-house"? Is the term symbolic in any way?

Essay Topic 3

At the end of Chapter 33, Robert and Edna sit in silence. He has called her cruel. Has Edna changed too much for him?

(see the answer keys)

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