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

2. As Edna walks on the beach, what does she realize about Robert?

3. What explanation does Robert give for not writing to Edna?

4. How does Robert react to the sight of Alcee's photograph?

5. Where is Edna at the end of this story?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Is the Colonel, Edna's father, right to think that if she and her husband spent more time together in the evenings at home, they would have a stronger marriage?

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

4. Why does Edna enjoy horse racing so much?

5. Do you think Edna's feelings were Robert were genuine?

6. Why does Mademoiselle Reisz play the Chopin piece? Is this an instance of foreshadowing?

7. Is the dinner party a grand affair?

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

9. Why does Edna call her move and dinner party a "coup d'etat"?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

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 3

While on Grande Isle, Edna says she could never give herself for her children. She could give just about anything such as possessions and money, but not herself. What did she mean by that?

(see the answer keys)

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