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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 is the first kiss to which Edna has ever responded?

2. Who pledges devotion to Edna in a letter?

3. What is the opening setting for the novelette The Awakening?

4. How does the character respond to the accident?

5. What does Madame Ratignolle say about Alcée?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Mademoiselle Reisz show and tell Edna concerning Robert?

2. Describe the scene between Robert and Edna at the cafe.

3. Describe one of Edna's childhood crushes.

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

5. Describe Mildred's first meeting with the "farm worker."

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

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

8. How does Léonce Pontellier treat his sunburned wife?

9. How does Edna feel about living in the pigeon house?

10. What happens when Edna goes to be with Madame Ratignolle as she is having her baby?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Awakening.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of The Awakening. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of The Awakening. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels and short stories have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of The Awakening, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in The Awakening. (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

4. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of three of the short stories, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot? Is it more difficult to determine the plot of a short story than a novel? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. Discuss the theme of choice in The Awakening and two of the short stories. Who makes wise choices? Who makes unwise choices? Do you think Edna believes more in fate or free will? Why?

2. Debate the following statement in an argument/persuasion essay: Making several poor choices one after the other makes it more likely one will continue to make poor choices.

3. Rewrite the ending with Edna making what you think would be a wiser choice and then discuss why you believe it would be a better choice.

(see the answer keys)

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