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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 are the only items Edna takes on her move?

2. What is the only thing that makes Edna happy since Robert left?

3. How does Edna speak to her husband?

4. How does Edna feel she is acting?

5. Who does Edna miss at her party?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the letter say that Mildred receives from her family?

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

3. Why does Edna go to Madame Antoine's home?

4. Who is Robert LeBrun?

5. What does Edna start attending?

6. What story does Edna tell and how does she explain knowing of the story?

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

8. What happens when Mr. Pontellier arrives home at eleven?

9. What do Edna and her father do when he visits and how does Léonce respond?

10. About what do Edna and her father argue and what does her father say to Léonce?

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

Edna commits suicide (presumably) at the end of the story, The Awakening. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze five major events that leads up to Edna's suicide. Could any of them have been altered? What does each event contribute to Edna's fateful decision?

2. Suicide is often considered by people who feel they have no other options. Do you think Edna is at that point when she kills herself? What other options does Edna have (consider the times and culture in which Edna lives)?

3. Is Edna's suicide an act of courage? Stupidity? Selfishness? Do you hold her responsible for the impact her death will have on those who love her? How do you think they will be affected?

4. Do you think Edna's husband is partly to blame for the woman's problems? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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