The Awakening Study Guide #3

The Awakening Study Guide #3

Chapters XXV – XXVIII

What is Arobin’s first overt step in seducing Edna? How does Edna initially react?
Escorts her home alone after an evening at Mrs. Highcamp’s; asks to enter her home for a second to light a cigarette, then leaves. Edna’s reaction: feels neither tired nor sleepy, is hungry, restless, and excited, wants something to happen but doesn’t know what, regrets that she didn’t ask him to stay a half hour and talk about the races

Describe the changes in Edna’s relationship with Arobin. He calls for Edna alone to go to the races, stays to dine with her when he takes her home, they begin to share confidences and sympathy, and he awakens her desire. She sends him away because he is too intense, but he sways her emotions through his apologies and adoration. They begin to see each other almost every day. He kisses her, they become intimate.

What does Edna mean when she says, “What would he think?” after her sexual response to Arobin? She feels like a woman who is drawn into adultery. She refers to what Robert, not Leonce, would think.

Explain Edna’s decision about her house, her rationale for the decision, and Mlle. Resiz’s response. What is Edna’s real reason for the move? She decides to leave the Pontelliers’ big house and live alone in a small house. Rationale: Edna is tired of running the big house and having to deal with the servants; Mlle’s Reisz’s response: knows Edna is lying and wants to know the real reason; Edna’s reason: the house and the money belong to her husband, not her; she wants freedom and independence; she resolves never again to belong to anyone other than herself.

What two things does Mlle. Reisz reveal to Edna about Robert? How does Edna respond? Rober never writes to Edna because he loves her; he is returning to New Orleans. Edna’s response: admits she loves Robert but can’t explain why; is happy to be alive because Robert is returning

What could Mlle. Reisz mean by her caution to Edna: “The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings”? Edna is the bird who is attempting to soar above traditions; she must be strong enough to withstand the pressure or it will someday destroy her

Chapters XXIX – XXXII

Why is Edna’s house called the “pigeon house”? What does she feel the move will do for her? Explain why you think she will be happier or less happy there? House is small and looks like a pigeon house; feels it will cause her to descend to a lower social scale but rise to a higher spiritual level, will give her independence and freedom

Why does Edna host a dinner party at the Pontelliers’ large house? Explain Edna’s feelings the night of her dinner party. As one final grand event in her big house; feels bored and hopeless in spite of lively discussion and excellent food, longs to be with Robert




How does Leonce react to Edna’s move to the pigeon house? Why? What does he do in an effort to control the damage he feels Edna is causing to the family? Writes her a letter of disapproval and protest; concerned about what people will say; contacts an architect to begin plans for remolding the Pontelliers’ house and sends a notice to the newspaper that Mr. and Mrs. Pontellier will take a summer trip abroad while their house is remolded

Chapters XXXIII – XXXV

Explain the conversation about Arobin between Adele and Edna at the pigeon house. Adele cautions Edna to be careful about living alone and, in a veiled reference to Arobin, tells Edna his dreadful reputation could ruin Edna’s name. Edna questions Adele whether or not Arobin boasts about his conquests; Adele responds that he doesn’t boast but everyone knows his reputation. Adele is concerned for Edna; Edna is concerned that Arobin might be boasting about their affair.

How do Edna and Robert first meet after his return to New Orleans? How does this first meeting end? They meet accidentally when Edna is waiting for Mlle. Reisz to return to her apartment and Robert comes there. Robert accompanies her home and stays for dinner, he sees a picture of Arobin, Edna quizzes him about a Mexican girl, Arobin comes, and Robert leaves


Why do you think Robert continues to call Edna “Mrs. Pontellier”? He is concerned about social conventionalities and still views Edna as Mr. Pontellier’s wife

Explain the different expectations Edna and Robert have about their reunion. Which path do you think they will eventually take? Edna loves Robert, believes he loves her, and thinks they will be free to pursue their love because she is now in her own house. Robert still views her as a married woman and the mistress of the big Pontellier house; he will not have an affair with another man’s wife

Why do you think Edna again becomes intimate with Arobin even though she loves Robert? She loves Robert and expects him to come. When Arobin comes instead of Robert, he fills her need for sexual gratification

Chapters XXXVI – XXXIX

Where do Edna and Robert again meet? How do they react to each other? In a garden restaurant; Edna tries to be indifferent but can’t remain that way in his presence. He goes back to the pigeon house with her, he responds to her passionate kiss, takes her in his arms, confesses his love for her, and tells her he went to Mexico to avoid her. They reveal their true feelings and expectations for each other

Why does Edna leave Robert after this reunion? She had promised Adele to be with her during childbirth, and Adele sends for her


What does Adele beg Edna to do? What effect do you think this will have on Edna? “Think of your children, Edna. Remember them!”



What does Edna tell Dr. Mandelet after the birth of Adele’s child? How does this affect her? That she has periods of despondency and suffering, that she wants her own way but doesn’t want to trample on the lives of her children

Explain Edna’s insight into her future during the sleepless night after Robert leaves. What is her ultimate decision? Why? She realizes she will drift from one affair to another and must protect Raoul and Etienne from the disgrace of their mother’s infidelities. She knows her love for Robert will fade and she will be alone. As long as she lives, she cannot sacrifice herself for anyone, even her children. Decision: suicide, because that is the only way to elude her children’s demands and to protect them

How does Edna “stage” her death? Why do you think she returns to Grand Isle to do so?
Returns to Grand Isle on the pretext of needing a rest; tells Victor she is going for a swim and will return for dinner. Grand Isle is where she met Robert and began her awakening; this is where it will end.

Explain the personification of the sea and what it symbolizes to Edna. The seductive voice of the sea invites Edna’s soul into solitude. To Edna, the sea symbolizes solitude and peace; it has no beginning and no end and will provide Edna the nothingness she