The Awakening

Discussion Questions -- Day #2

(NAAL edition)

1.) Why does Robert leave so hastily for Mexico? -- p. 40.

2.) Discuss the differences between Grand Isle and New Orleans.

3.) Discuss the relationship between Edna and her husband.

4.) Discuss the beginning stages of Edna’s “awakening.” What is “awakening” in her? In what “ways” does it appear?

5.) Discuss Edna’s interests in swimming (p. 654) and art (p. 682).

6.) Discuss Edna and Adele’s talk on pp. 643-647 which leads Adele to ask Robert to leave Edna alone.

7.) Why does Robert leave so hastily for Mexico? -- pp. 667

8.) Discuss the differences between Grand Isle and New Orleans.

9.) Discuss Mademoiselle Reisz.

10.) Discuss the imagery/symbolism of “hands” -- pp. 645, 681, 692.

11.) Are there any “connections” between Chopin’s novel and the other works we’ve read so far this semester?

• City vs. Country
• East vs. West
• Outsider vs. Insider
• Male vs. Female
• Europe vs. America
• Upper Class vs. Lower Class