The Awakening – Chapter 27-39 Questions

Things to keep track of as you read:

• The treatment and discussion of African Americans – called quadroons, mulattos, blacks.
• The ocean, the sea, swimming.
• Clothing.
• Discussions of how women should behave.

Chapter XXVII

1. Edna says to Arobin that she would like to "determine what character of a woman" she is. He replies, "Why should you bother thinking about it when I can tell you what manner of woman you are." Think about Edna's comments concerning wanting to be her own woman, to be possessed by no one. Why would Chopin not have Edna protest such a comment?
2. Mlle Reisz tells Edna, "The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings. It is a sad spectacle to see weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth." Do you think Edna is strong enough to soar? Why, why not?
3. Arobin kisses Edna. What are the implications? Remember what the doctor said about Arobin.

Chapter XXVIII

1. How does Edna feel after the kiss?

Chapter XXIX

1. Who are the "thousand muffled voices" telling Edna to leave her home?
2. Describe Edna's demeanor concerning moving.

Chapter XXX

1. We learn the second line in the song Robert sang to Edna. What is that line? Why is it important? Why does Edna not want Victor to sing that song?

Chapter XXXI

1. Arobin walks Edna to her new house. How does he treat her when they arrive?

Chapter XXXII

1. How does Leonce react to Edna's move?
2. What is Leonce most worried about? What actions does he take?
3. How would you feel if your partner informed you she/he was moving out?
4. Edna is pleased to see her children. Does this surprise you? Why, why not?

Chapter XXXIII

1. What is the advice Adele gives Edna? How does Adele feel about Arobin?
2. Describe the meeting of Robert and Edna.
3. Robert sees Arobin's photograph in Edna's "pigeon house." How does he react?

Chapter XXXIV

1. Describe the meeting of Arobin and Robert.
2. Arobin declares his love to Edna. Does she believe him? Would you?
3. Which man does Edna fantasize about?

Chapter XXXV

1. Edna spends time with Arobin. He feels her "latent sensuality." What does she feel?

Chapter XXXVI

1. Edna meets Robert by chance at an outside cafe. Describe their meeting.
2. They return to Edna's house where she kisses him and declares she is possessed by no one. What else does she tell Robert?
3. Predict an ending to this love story.

Chapter XXXVII

1. Edna goes to Adele's sick bed. How does this make her feel?
2. Why does Adele say to Edna, "Think of the children."

Chapter XXXVIII

1. Doctor Mandelet speaks to Edna as they leave Adele's house. What advice does he give her? What does he speak to her about?
2. What keeps Edna awake?

Chapter XXXIX

1. Why does Chopin begin the last chapter with Victor Lebrun and Mariequita?
2. In this last chapter, the novel seems to be repeating itself. Which quotes are similar to or are repeats of previous lines?
3. How does the novel end? What is Edna's fate? Are you surprised? Why, why not?