English 1001—Great American Authors

Discussion Questions for Kate Chopin's The Awakening, chapters XVIII-XXV.

1. What makes the Ratignolle's marriage so ideal? How does their marriage contrast with that of the Pontelliers?

2. Why does her visit to Mademoiselle Reisz offer such relief to Edna?

3. How does Dr. Mandelet diagnose Edna's illness?

4. When Edna's father says, "I hope it isn't Arobin," what is he talking about?

5. What draws Edna toward Arobin?