The Awakening Quiz: Chapters 1-7 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does the parrot say in Chapter 1?

Bonjour! Bonjour! How are you?

Go away! Go away! Please!

Stay with me! Stay with me! Always!

Allez vous-en! Allez vous-en! Sapristi! (correct)

Describe Leonce Pontellier's reaction to the parrot in Chapter 1.

He is irritated by the parrot and moves away from it.

What are the major plot themes of the opera Zampa referenced in Chapter 1?

A man runs off and seduces a woman, then becomes a pirate and takes a man for ransom, eventually marrying the kidnapped man's daughter.

Describe the Pontellier children in Chapter 1.

They are self-sufficient and do a good job of entertaining themselves, but yearn for their mother's attention and love. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the 'quadroon' in Chapter 1?

They take care of children. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Edna Pontellier's appearance and background in Chapter 2.

She is beautiful and lives in New Orleans. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the story taking place in Chapter 2?

On a vacation in Grand Isle. Signup and view all the answers

What are Robert Lebrun's plans for the future in Chapter 2?

He talks about leaving for Mexico but has never done so. Signup and view all the answers

How does Edna feel about sketching in Chapter 5?

She likes it but is very critical of herself. Signup and view all the answers

How does Leonce feel about Edna's mothering skills in Chapter 3?

He feels disappointed and thinks her skills are inadequate. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Edna cry in Chapter 3?

She cries because of her husband's assumptions about their son Raoul's health. Signup and view all the answers

Match the characters with their descriptions:

Leonce Pontellier = A rude man who thinks he can control Edna Adele Ratignolle = Embodiment of a mother-woman Edna Pontellier = A woman who questions her role in society Robert Lebrun = A man who dedicates his summers to one woman Signup and view all the answers

What does Edna realize about her 'position in the universe' in Chapter 6?

Her value as an individual is significant. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ocean's effect on Edna in Chapter 7?

The sea is dark and can be judgmental, but it is also comforting and protective. Signup and view all the answers

How does Adele treat Edna's sadness in Chapter 7?

Adele is very comforting and caring. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Edna's sisters in Chapter 7.

Janet is Edna's younger sister with whom she argued often; Margret is the older sister with housewifely responsibilities. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Parrot Symbolism

The parrot’s phrase "Allez vous-en! Sapristi!" translates to "Go away, for heaven's sake!", foreshadowing Edna's eventual desire for solitude from societal expectations.

Leonce Pontellier Characterization

Leonce is depicted as controlling and rude, displaying irritation toward the parrot and showing seriousness in his interactions with Edna.
His indifference to home life is evident when he downplays dinner's importance, preferring socializing at the club.

Opera Influence

The Farvial twins’ duet from "Zampa" reflects themes of seduction, piracy, and morally ambiguous relationships, paralleling Edna’s experiences.

Pontellier Children

Edna’s children are emotionally independent but still crave their mother’s affection and support.

Role of the Quadroon

Refers to mixed-race individuals, particularly those of African descent, who serve as caretakers for the children in the story.

Edna Pontellier Description

Edna is characterized as beautiful, living in New Orleans, representing a nuanced femininity.

Setting

The story unfolds during a vacation at Grand Isle, a locale significant for both relaxation and personal awakening.

Robert Lebrun’s Aspirations

Robert frequently expresses a desire to leave for Mexico, yet his lack of follow-through suggests indecisiveness and a tendency toward idle talk.

Edna and Robert’s Relationship

Their connection is marked by mutual curiosity and an innocent rapport, indicating a burgeoning emotional bond.

Leonce’s Return Home

Upon returning from Klein's hotel, Leonce exhibits a joyful demeanor, highlighting a contrast with his usual seriousness.

Leonce on Parenting

He criticizes Edna’s mothering abilities, believing she neglects her parental responsibilities.

Edna's Emotional State

Edna’s tears result from Leonce’s dismissive attitude toward their son Raoul's health, revealing her frustration with his assumptions.

Public Perception of Leonce

Others view Leonce as a devoted husband, providing financially and supporting Edna’s interests, despite his dismissive behavior toward their home life.

Concept of the "Mother-Woman"

Mother-women idolize their children and worship their husbands, a role Edna does not embrace, seeking individual identity instead.

Adele Ratignolle

Embodies the ideal mother-woman, portrayed as flawless and nurturing, contrasting with Edna’s more complex character.

Edna’s Distinction from Creole Women

Edna stands apart from traditional Creole women due to her self-awareness and preference for maintaining privacy, rejecting societal expectations.

Robert’s Interaction with Women

Robert exhibits a pattern of devotion during summers, focusing his attention on one woman at a time, suggesting a romanticized view of relationships.

Edna's Artistic Pursuits

She enjoys sketching but remains self-critical, reflecting her struggle for self-acceptance.

The Significance of "Light" in Edna’s Realization

The ambiguous "light" symbolizes awakening and self-discovery, compelling Edna toward happiness while reminding her of societal respectability.

Edna’s Self-Realization

She begins to recognize her value as an individual, acknowledging that her opinions and feelings carry weight in her life.

The Ocean's Influence

The sea represents both danger and comfort, symbolizing Edna’s internal conflict between societal judgment and personal solace.

Outward vs. Inward Life

A dichotomy exists between conforming externally to societal norms while internally yearning for personal truth and freedom.

Edna’s Transformation

Edna attributes her change to societal influences, particularly to people like Adele Ratignolle, indicating external factors impacting her self-discovery.

Edna’s Affinity for the Sea

The ocean evokes memories of Edna's childhood home, providing a source of peace and reminiscence.

Adele's Comforting Nature

Adele’s nurturing behavior, drawn from her Creole heritage, provides Edna with unfamiliar emotional support during her distress.

Duality of Appearance and Reality

Edna and Adele’s outward personas mask their true feelings and struggles, illustrating the complexities of their inner lives.

Edna's Sisters

Janet, Edna's younger sister, shared a contentious relationship with her, while Margret, the older sister, assumed a nurturing role similar to a mother.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the key concepts and characters in the first seven chapters of 'The Awakening'. This quiz covers important symbols like the parrot and character analyses, providing insights into their significance in the novel. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of the text.

The Awakening Chapters 1-7 Quiz

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