View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How much money does Mrs. Sommers receive?

2. Who does Calixta allow to shelter in her home?

3. How does Mrs. Baroda feel when she speaks to Gouvernail?

4. What does Mrs. Baroda say about her husband wanting Gouvernail for a second visit?

5. What disgusts Gabriel?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Mr. Sublet change his attitude towards Evariste?

2. What does Mr. Sublet ask Evariste Bonamour and what Sublet give Evariste?

3. What does Gabriel tell Tnate Elodie and what does she say in response?

4. What does Mrs. Sommers receive and what does she plan to do with it?

5. What is the difference between Calixta and Clarissa?

6. How does Mrs. Baroda's feelings alter towards Gouvernail and what does she do?

7. What does Louise Mallard learn and how does she learn of it?

8. Why does Armand withdraw from Désirée?

9. How does Athénaïse develop a relationship with Gouvernail?

10. What does Alcée write to his wife and what is her response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

Setting as far as place and time play an important role in The Awakening and many of Chopin's short stories. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast several aspects of the setting of that time (late 1800s) from how it would be today. Consider things such as cultural norms/expectations, technology, religion and medicine.

2. Do you The Awakening or any of the short stories would be different if it were set in another state in the United States, such as California, in that same era? Consider particularly the fact that Creole people often have a strong identification with the area around New Orleans.

3. What issues that are present in the time of The Awakening would still be issues today? What would no longer be issues? Consider such things as class, racism, alcoholism, sexual freedom, rugged individualism and integrity.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,062 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample