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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 does Armand want Désirée to do?

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

3. What is one other Chopin piece in which Gouvernail appears?

4. How much advance payment does Sublet give the 'Cadian man?

5. What does Mrs. Sommers wish as she is riding home on the bus?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Elizabeth help Mr. Brightman?

2. What is the difference between Calixta and Clarissa?

3. What does Clarisse do when she learns Alcée is going to see Calixta and why does she do what she does?

4. What does Elodie learn while at a wedding reception?

5. How does Mrs. Baroda feel towards Gourvernail at the opening of the story, and what does she do as a result?

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

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

8. How does Mrs. Sommers spend her fifteen dollars?

9. What does Désirée do after Armand tells her to leave?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by this book. Questions that Chopin may have wanted readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Chopin's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Chopin's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Kate Chopin and see if/where her life may have influenced her writing.

Essay Topic 3

Chopin's life may have greatly informed her writing. Discuss the following:

1. Research Kate Chopin and write a 2-3 informative essay about her life.

2. Choose one theme that occurs throughout most of Chopin's work and discuss it in relation to what you learned in your research about Chopin.

3. Can an author write an entirely objective piece of fiction without her/his own experiences influencing the work? Why or why not (in your opinion).

(see the answer keys)

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