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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. Describe the nature of Robert's and Edna's conversation:

2. Who does Mr. Pontellier discuss with the doctor?

3. Of what does Edna speak with authority?

4. Why does Edna cry when she listens to Mademoiselle Reisz play the piano?

5. What does Mademoiselle Reisz say is essential to becoming a true artist?

Short Essay Questions

1. In addition to her move, what occasion is the group celebrating?

2. Why does Edna not want to attend her sister's wedding?

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

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

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 Edna call her move and dinner party a "coup d'etat"?

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

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

9. 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?

10. Are Robert Lebrun and Alcee Arobin alike? Or are they dramatically different from one another?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is The Awakening a proper title for this novel? If you could name it something else, what would you name it and why?

Essay Topic 2

As the story progresses, Edna chooses independence over marriage. Did she do the right thing? What, if anything, did she lose? What did she gain?

Essay Topic 3

Why do you think Edna is so drawn to Robert? Describe first how they meet, and how their relationship develops. What is it about Edna's life that is so lacking that she feels so drawn to him?

(see the answer keys)

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