The Awakening Chapters 1-14 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the setting as chapter 1 opens?

Grand Isle, a vacation spot for the wealthy in New Orleans, during the summer of 1865

How old is Mr. Pontellier?

What does Mr. Pontellier look like?

medium height, slender built, brown straight hair, neatly-trimmed beard

Who is Robert Lebrun?

Madame Lebrun's son who works at the cottages which her mother owns, befriends many of the women that stay in Grand Isle Signup and view all the answers

How old is Robert?

20's Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Pontellier's opinion of his wife's ability to care for their children?

He believes Edna is lacking in her ability to take care of their children Signup and view all the answers

Why is Edna so unhappy with her husband?

He doesn't show appreciation for all that she does. She longs for a passionate relationship based on respect. Signup and view all the answers

What is a mother-woman?

protective of her children, worships her husband, kind and graceful Signup and view all the answers

What is Adele Ratignolle like?

beautiful, graceful, married for 7 years, has 3 children, pregnant, perfect mother-woman Signup and view all the answers

What hobby does Edna enjoy in her downtime?

sketching Signup and view all the answers

What is Edna afraid of?

the water Signup and view all the answers

How old is Edna?

28 Signup and view all the answers

What seemed to make Edna different from the crowd?

the way she was built Signup and view all the answers

Why did Edna marry Leonce?

He pleased and flattered her. Edna thought they had a lot in common. Edna liked the idea of going against her sister and father by marrying a Catholic. Signup and view all the answers

What is Edna and Robert Lebrun's relationship like?

Robert plays with the children and talks with Edna, meeting Edna's need for companionship. They enjoy each other's company. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Edna so attracted to Robert's personality?

He is kind and shows Edna respect Signup and view all the answers

What might the bonbons represent?

the material things that Mr. Pontellier gives to his children to compensate for his absence in their life Signup and view all the answers

What request does Madame Ratignolle ask Robert to make at the open of chapter 8?

to leave Edna alone Signup and view all the answers

What is Robert's response to Madame Ratignolle's request?

He disagrees. He only worries that his advances on Edna might lead Edna to getting hurt. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mademoiselle Reisz?

an older lady who is staying at Grand Isle who can play the piano beautifully Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the piano music have on Edna?

She gets emotional Signup and view all the answers

What change is revealed in Edna when she ignores her husband's request to come inside?

Her experience in the water has taught her to stand for herself and not always conform to her husband's wishes. She is becoming independent. Signup and view all the answers

Is Mr. Pontellier being kind to wait up for his wife, or is he being stubborn?

False Signup and view all the answers

Where do Edna and Robert go together in chapter 12?

Cheniere for mass Signup and view all the answers

Who's idea was it to go to Cheniere?

Edna Signup and view all the answers

What happened in Cheniere?

Edna does not enjoy the service, so they leave. They go to Madame Antoine's cottage. They spend the rest of the day together. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways has Edna changed by the end of chapter 14?

Edna has a better sense of independence and self-awareness. She learns self-respect in that she practices not conforming to her husband's ways just to please him. She becomes more comfortable with the unknown. Signup and view all the answers

How is Edna's relationship with Robert progressing?

They are spending more time together. For the first time, Edna is calling on Robert. Signup and view all the answers

What does the water represent?

freedom Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Characters

Grand Isle serves as a luxurious vacation destination for affluent families from New Orleans, set during the summer of 1865.
Mr. Pontellier is a 40-year-old man with a medium height and slender build, characterized by brown straight hair and a neatly-trimmed beard.
Edna Pontellier, aged 28, experiences feelings of dissatisfaction in her marriage and societal role.

Relationships and Conflicts

Robert Lebrun, in his 20s, is a charming young man who befriends the women at Grand Isle, reflecting a lack of genuine connection in Edna's marriage.
Mr. Pontellier believes Edna is inadequate in her maternal responsibilities, further straining their relationship.
Edna’s attraction to Robert stems from his kindness and respect, contrasting sharply with her husband's treatment of her, which she finds lacking.

The concept of a "mother-woman" is exemplified by Adele Ratignolle, who epitomizes femininity through her nurturing nature and adherence to traditional roles.
Edna is drawn to sketching, showcasing her desire for personal expression amidst her constrained domestic life.

Personal Growth and Independence

Edna's fear of water symbolizes her initial struggle with self-identity, but as she interacts with the ocean, it later represents a burgeoning sense of freedom.
A notable transformation occurs when Edna disregards her husband's command to come inside, indicating her evolving independence and self-assertion.

Key Events

During a visit to Cheniere, Edna's discontent with traditional values surfaces as she leaves a mass that does not resonate with her, choosing instead to explore her individuality alongside Robert.
Edna's emotional response to the piano music played by Mademoiselle Reisz highlights her deep-seated feelings and longing for artistic expression and connection.

Symbolism

Bonbons gifted by Mr. Pontellier symbolize materialism and his attempt to compensate for emotional absence in the lives of his children.
The water serves as a metaphor for both freedom and self-discovery, illustrating Edna's internal struggle and gradual awakening to her desires and needs.

Progression of Edna and Robert's Relationship

Edna actively seeks Robert's company, marking a significant shift in their relationship dynamic, as she begins to assert her agency and choices.
As Edna grows more independent, she develops a stronger sense of self, leading to deeper connections and the courage to seek fulfillment outside societal expectations.

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Test your knowledge of the first fourteen chapters of 'The Awakening' by Kate Chopin with these flashcards. Review key details about characters, setting, and plot developments that define the early part of this classic novel. Perfect for literature students or anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of this important work.