Creole History/Society
What was the pivotal and most important historical event that changed the culture of the South in general, and New Orleans?
The Civil War
What were the original two European "Creole" cultures?
French & Spanish
What was the name of the food Ms. Smith brought for everyone yesterday?
Jambalaya
What were women expected to be/do in the 1890s?
Mothers and wives
The main character of this book
Edna Pontellier
What was the major attitude change in NOLA that occurred following the Civil War and the rush of European immigrants into the city?
Racism!
What religion did Creoles tend to be?
Catholic
When is Mardi Gras and what holiday does it come before?
Today (March 5)! It comes right before Easter and Lent.
In New Orleans culture, what is an unmarried woman called? What is it French for?
"Tante" means "aunt"
Who is Edna's husband?
Leone Pontellier
How did social changes in the South following the Civil War affect mixed-race Creoles of Color?
The rise in racism caused mixed-race Creoles of Color to lose their social standing and wealth
After the Civil War, what four European immigrants came to New Orleans and changed to the composition of traditional Creole culture?
English, German, Irish, and Italian
What music originated from black Creole culture?
Zydeco (which eventually evolved into jazz and blues music)
What were the two laws that were passed in 1884 & 1886 related to? Hint: they gave women rights they didn't have before.
Marriage & divorce
What will this book be about?
Early feminism and Edna's sexual awakening
Where do the rich European Creoles live?
The French Quarter
Before the Civil War, what was the Creole Social Hierarchy?
1. Rich white Creoles
2. Wealthy mixed-race Creoles
3. Poor black Creoles
What do Creoles think of their own culture? Wha is the effect of this?
It's the best, which causes them to look down on those who are not Creole.
What is the name of the Feminism movement from this time period?
First-wave Feminism
Where is the main character is originally from?
Kentucky
Why did people invent and use the term "Creole" in New Orleans?
To distinguish between those who were born and raised here, and therefore "better" in a sense, and those that were not.
What does the social hierarchy from before and after the Civil War have in common?
People of full (or close to full) African-American blood are still at the bottom, and only white Creoles are at the top of society.
What are the effects of Creole attitudes about family?
Family is very, very important, which leads to close-knit communities and high expectations for mothers.
In Creole culture, what can happen to a mother and her family when she is seen by others as being a bad mom?
They can lose face, meaning others in their community will judge them and lose respect for that family as a whole, not just the women.
Why is Edna an outsider?
She is not Creole or even from the city, therefore is unfamiliar with and uncomfortable in that culture. Creoles are also very proud of their lineage and shared culture, and so treat those of other backgrounds differently.