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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. On what day does Edna receive visitors at her home?

2. What is the main character in this story?

3. What does Mildred decide to do?

4. Whose picture did Edna keep when she is a child?

5. How does Edna feel when her children go to stay with their grandmother and Léonce is in New York?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Edna and her husband argue and what does each do?

2. Why does Edna decide to move into a smaller house and what does the staff call the house?

3. How does Edna plan to pay for her move?

4. Describe Edna's terrifying water experience.

5. What does Madame worry about concerning Robert and Edna?

6. What does Edna find when she visits Mademoiselle Reisz and how does Edna react?

7. What happens when the cage door is left open by accident one day?

8. What does the creature finally do?

9. How does Léonce Pontellier treat his sunburned wife?

10. What happens between Robert and Edna by the end of Chapter 35?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Creole culture and the culture of the United States at that time in general in the late 1800s is fertile ground for sexism. Discuss one of the following:

1. Research the existence of sexism in the South and the United States and analyze The Awakening and one other short story for its accuracy and/or inaccuracy in its portrayal of sexism.

2. Trace and analyze the theme of sexism throughout The Awakening. Who are the most obvious sexist? Who are perhaps subtly sexist? Are any of the characters free of sexism? Who? Why do you say so?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of sexism in three of the short stories. Who are the most obvious sexist? Who are perhaps subtly sexist? Are any of the characters free of sexism? Who? Why do you say so?

Essay Topic 2

Many authors write numerous works of fiction that differ in plot and detail, but which often treat the same ideas over and over. Discuss the following:

1. What is one theme/idea that exists in at least three of Chopin's works in this collection? Compare and contrast how the theme is treated among the three pieces.

2. Compare/contrast two of Chopin's short stories for their similarities and differences. Does Chopin seem more sympathetic towards women or men? Or is there any pattern? Do you think Chopin endorses the cultural expectations of the day? why or why not.

3. Most of Chopin's works are short stories and two short novels (or novelettes). Why do you think Chopin chooses to write in the short story genre? Compare/contrast the challenges of writing a longer novel versus a short story. Which would you prefer to read? Write? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Define irony in literary terms. Discuss the irony of the situation whereby Edna's husband tells her she is safe when she swims out too far because he is watching her versus when Edna takes her last swim alone. Discuss the use of irony in two of the short stories.

2. Define symbolism in literary terms. Discuss the use of and meaning of five symbols found in The Awakening.

3. Discuss the use of and meaning of five symbols found in three of the short stories.

4. Discuss the use of foreshadowing in literature. What is the purpose of foreshadowing? Cite 3 examples of foreshadowing and how it is used to indicate events to come in The Awakening and/or several of the short stories.

(see the answer keys)

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