Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is Damask?
What is Damask?
What is Consternation?
What is Consternation?
Feelings of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected.
What are Trifles?
What are Trifles?
A dessert, usually consisting of custard and cake soaked in wine or liquor, and jam, on fruit; a thing of little value or importance.
Flushed means excited or elated by something.
Flushed means excited or elated by something.
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What is Indenture?
What is Indenture?
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What is the setting for Chapter 17 and how does it contrast to the previous setting?
What is the setting for Chapter 17 and how does it contrast to the previous setting?
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How is Léonce Pontellier's attitude towards his home similar to his attitude towards his wife?
How is Léonce Pontellier's attitude towards his home similar to his attitude towards his wife?
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What is the purpose of Edna's Tuesday's 'at home', and how does it change after she returns from Grand Isle?
What is the purpose of Edna's Tuesday's 'at home', and how does it change after she returns from Grand Isle?
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How does Léonce react to Edna's changes in the household?
How does Léonce react to Edna's changes in the household?
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What is significant about what Edna does after Léonce leaves?
What is significant about what Edna does after Léonce leaves?
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What is the significance of Edna taking off her wedding ring and putting it back on?
What is the significance of Edna taking off her wedding ring and putting it back on?
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Study Notes
Vocabulary
- Damask: A quality woven fabric displaying patterns on both sides.
- Consternation: A feeling of anxiety or dismay, often arising unexpectedly.
- Trifles: A dessert made of custard, cake soaked in liquor, fruit, and jam; also refers to things considered of little value or importance.
- Flushed: A state of heightened excitement or elation.
- Indenture: A formal legal agreement or contract outlining obligations.
Setting and Character Relationship
- Chapter 17 begins with a detailed portrayal of the Pontellier home, contrasting with the previous dialogue-driven opening.
- Léonce Pontellier regards both his home and wife as prized possessions, highlighting a possessive attitude.
Edna's Transformation
- Edna's "at home" events on Tuesdays shift from formal receptions to a more casual approach post-Grand Isle; this acts as a rebellion against societal norms.
- She trades her reception gown for ordinary dress, symbolizing her rejection of societal expectations.
Léonce's Reaction
- Léonce exhibits irritation and surprise regarding Edna's changes and domestic challenges, opting to dine at the club instead of enduring inadequate home-cooked meals.
Edna's Independence
- After Léonce departs, Edna chooses to eat her dinner alone for the first time, marking a step toward independence.
- The act of removing and then reapplying her wedding ring signifies her desire for autonomy from Léonce, yet highlights her struggle to fully escape his influence.
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Description
Test your understanding of Chapter 17 of 'The Awakening' by Kate Chopin. This chapter explores Edna Pontellier's transformation and the dynamics of her relationships, as well as significant vocabulary within the text. Engage with the key themes and character developments presented in this chapter.
