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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. Who does Alcée flirt with at the ball?

2. Who has just been killed in a railroad accident?

3. Who adopts Désirée?

4. What does Clarisse not miss?

5. Where does the doctor advise Elizabeth to spend the winter?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Armand withdraw from Désirée?

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. How does Athénaïse develop a relationship with Gouvernail?

9. What is the difference between Calixta and Clarissa?

10. What changes everything for Athénaïse and what does she do?

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

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 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?

(see the answer keys)

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