Awakening Answers XVII - XXIV

The Awakening
Due: Monday, Oct 30

Chapters XVII – XIX

In what ways does Edna change after the Pontelliers’ return to New Orleans?
Breaks the accepted practice of receiveing visitors every Tuesday, does what she wants when she wants doesn’t take life as seriously, doesn’t allow Leonce’s rebukes to make her unhappy; becomes insolent toward Leonce and wants him to leave her alone, neglects her household duties

How does Leonce react to the changes in Edna? Why? What do you think this reveals about him? He is greatly distressed by her refusal to receive visitors on Tuesday, is shocked by her disregard of her duties and wonders if she is becoming mentally unbalanced. He becomes rude and leaves her alone, often dining at his club. Reason: Leonce is afraid of negative public opinion and loss of business contacts if the Pontelliers do not observe expected customs. He values his material possessions and public opinion more than the emotional health of his wife.

Why does Edna resume her art? Why does she reveal this to Adele? She believes she needs to work again; seeks and receives Adele’s advice, approval, and encouragement

Will Edna become a famous artist? Answers will vary

Chapters XX – XXII

After Edna’s return to New Orleans, why does she search for Mlle. Reisz? How does she find her? She wants to hear her play the piano; goes to Madame Lebrun’s to find out where Mlle. Reisz lives

Why is Edna despondent when she hears news of Robert from Madame Lebrun?
He has sent no message for her.

What does Mlle. Reisz reveal to Edna about Robert? She has had a letter from him; the letter is filled with “Mrs. Pontellier” from beginning to end.

What does Mlle. Reisz tell Edna an artist must have? Do you think Edna will have this attribute? A courageous soul

Describe Victor Lebrun. How is he different from Robert? Dark, good-looking, rude, haughty and impetuous; verbally attacks the black maid; brags about his female conquests; His bragging is a direct contrast to Robert’s sense of respectability
Characterize Mlle. Reisz, based on the reactions of others and the way the author portrays her. Eccentric, disagreeable, unpopular, unconcerned about public opinion, loves her piano and music more than anything else, never changes her appearance based on the grocer’s statement, Edna’s disagreeable first impression, and the author’s description of her appearance

How does Edna react to Mlle. Reisz’s piano playing? Why does she react this way? Overwhelmed with emotion, begins to sob, and dampens Robert’s letter with her tears; reacts this way because of Mlle. Reisz’s artistry at the piano and Edna’s emotional state, especially her love and longing for Robert

12. What does Leonce tell Dr. Mandelet about Edna? What does Dr. Mandelet tell him? She seems well physically but doesn’t act well, neglects household duties, has changed her attitude toward him and everyone, drives him to quarrel with her, goes away by herself and returns late at night, is concerned about women’s rights, and they no longer sleep together; Advice: leave her alone for awhile, send her to see him, not to contradict her, not to bother her nor let her bother him

13. Will Dr. Mandelet’s advice to Leonce help the Pontelliers reconcile?

Chapters XIII – XXIV

14. Who is the Colonel? How does Edna react to his visit? Edna’s father, former colonel in the Confederate army; tries to please him and feels she knows him for the first time; takes him all around New Orleans

15. Where does Edna first meet Alcee Arobin? At the horse races

16. How does Edna act when Dr. Mandelet visits the Ponetelliers? What does this reveal to him about her? Excited and radiant; she is involved with another man

17. What advice does the Colonel give Leonce concerning Edna? What does this reveal about the Colonel and his relationship with his own wife? Tells Leonce he is too lenient with Edna and should exert more authority and coercion, as this is the only way to manage a wife; implies that he treated his wife so harshly and arrogantly that he drove her to an early death

18. How does Edna react before and after Leonce leaves for New York? Explain why you think she acts this way. Before: demonstrates “wifely” concern for his health and welfare, looks after his clothing becomes affectionate, remembers his kindness and expressions of love, and cries when he leaves. After: feels relived and peaceful, loves the solitude of the empty house, sleeps extraordinarily well

19. Will Edna join Leonce in New York? Answers will vary