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The Awakening

The Awakening. Ch. 1-7 Discussion Questions. Question #1. Note the parrot’s repetitive words and discuss their meaning. Answer to Question #1.

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The Awakening

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  1. The Awakening Ch. 1-7 Discussion Questions

  2. Question #1 • Note the parrot’s repetitive words and discuss their meaning.

  3. Answer to Question #1 • The phrase foreshadows the danger of Edna’s liaison with Robert and her eventual “escape”. She should get out before the situation ever begins; will discover that she can only escape through death.

  4. Question #2 • Analyze the relationship between Edna and Leonce. Note Leonce’s remark to his wife, “You are burnt beyond recognition,” followed by looking at his wife as one looks at a valuable piece of personal property which has suffered some damage. Discuss the stereotypical roles of husband and wife in the Pontelliers’ marriage during this era.

  5. Answer to Question #2 • Marriage reveals signs of dissatisfaction • Edna is nothing more than property and Leonce is unhappy with Edna’s parenting skills • Edna not interested in conversation with Leonce • Leonce leaves Edna alone often – feels he can come and go as he pleases since he provides for the family • Edna lonely and depressed – emotional needs not met

  6. Question #3 • Examine Leonce’s dissatisfaction with Edna. Compare/contrast Edna with Adele Ratignolle and other “mother-women.”

  7. Answer to Question #3 • Edna encourages children to be independent – Leonce feels Edna is not a good mother because she doesn’t hover and comfort like other mothers • Leonce goes by what he sees others doing (Adele) and thinks Edna is wrong because she is different

  8. Question #4 • Examine the meaning of “There rested no shadow of care upon his (Robert’s) countenance.”

  9. Answer to Question #4 • Robert is completely relaxed and carefree • He is enjoying his surroundings and being away from work • Enjoys his conversation with Edna and the reader can infer a developing relationship between them

  10. Question #5 • Discuss Robert Lebrun and his “role” on Grand Isle. Examine his relationship with Edna.

  11. Answer to Question #5 • Hooks up with a new lady every summer (11 years) • Picks young girls, widows, or married women (naïve/unavailable) • Had friendship with Adele but it remained platonic – she is his passion • Edna loves his attention but avoids the physical advances

  12. Question #6 • Analyze the simile, “Mrs. Pontellier liked to gaze at her fair companion as she might look upon a faultless Madonna.”

  13. Answer to Question #6 • Edna responds to Adele’s goodness and beauty – finds her faultless and pure • Or, Edna could be noticing Robert’s youthfulness and good looks

  14. Question #7 • Analyze Edna’s two contradictory impulses and what this reveals about her.

  15. Answer to Question #7 • Edna recognizes beginning of self-discovery/unique place in universe • Her reflections reveal that even as a child, she lived a dual life: outward conformity but an inward questioning • During the summer on Grand Isle, she begins to free herself

  16. Question #8 • Read aloud the two paragraphs that personify the sea, beginning with “The voice of the sea is seductive…” and analyze the effect of the sea on Edna.

  17. Answer to Question #8 • Sea is portrayed as constantly inviting the soul to solitude and contemplation; sensuous and embracing • Sea symbolizes Edna’s desire to emerge from her shell of conformity and discover her real self • Water reminds her of meadow in Kentucky and her desire to walk in this “sea” forever • Compares this experience with her impressions of her summer • Foreshadows Edna’s final escape

  18. Question #9 • Discuss the friendship between Edna and Adele and examine what their shared confidences reveal about Edna.

  19. Answer to Question #9 • Adele has a great deal of influence over Edna • Talk about everything, from childhood to infatuations with young men (not everything Edna shares is actually spoken) • Edna admits marriage to Leonce was an accident – doesn’t love him but married him because he would be a good provider • Married Leonce to spite father – he’s Catholic • Edna doesn’t feel suited for motherhood

  20. Allusion • Read notes on Teacher Web about allusions in The Awakening, and identify them as you read. • Be prepared to discuss allusions in class.

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