The Awakening – Chapter 1-13 Questions

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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 I

1. What does the parrot say? What does it mean? How might these comments foreshadow what will occur in the novel?
2. Describe Leonce Pontellier. Specifically describe his reaction to the parrot, how he speaks to his wife, and his reaction to Mrs. Pontellier's question about dinner.
3. The Farival twins play a duet from Zampa. What are the major plot lines of that opera?
4. Describe the Pontellier children.
5. What is the role of the "quadroon"?
6. Who is Robert Lebrun? What is his part in this story?

Chapter II

1. Describe Edna Pontellier. What does she look like? Where is she from? Where does she live now?
2. Where is this story taking place?
3. What is Robert Lebrun like? What are his plans for the future? Do you think he will ever follow through with his plans? Why, why not?
4. Describe Edna and Robert's relationship.

Chapter III

1. How does Leonce feel when he returns home?
2. How does he feel about Edna's mothering skills?
3. Why does Edna cry?
4. How do others feel about Leonce?

Chapter IV

1. What is a mother-woman? Why is Edna not one? Who is a mother-woman?
2. Describe Adele Ratignolle.
3. How is Edna different from Creole women?

Chapter V

1. How does Robert relate to women on the island?
2. How does Edna feel about sketching?
3. Do you think Adele faked fainting? Why, why not?

Chapter VI

1. "A certain light was beginning to dawn dimly within her – the light which, showing the way, forbids it."
   Take apart the above sentence. What does the light represent? How does the light forbid as it compels?
2. What does Edna come to realize about her "position in the universe"?
3. What is the the ocean's affect on Edna?