Historical Context
The culture that Adele proclaims Edna is not a apart of.
What is Creole culture/society?
The two symbols used to represent Edna and Mademoiselle Reisz; these two symbols are the only two that can communicate and understand each other.
What is the parrot and mockingbird?
The character who steadily awakens to a heightened awareness of self and identity throughout the progression of the novel.
Who is Edna Pontellier?
The setting of the first sixteen chapters of The Awakening.
What is Grand Isle, Louisiana?
The reaction from Leonce Pontellier in response to Edna's new tan upon returning from swimming with Robert.
What is, "You are burnt beyond recognition?"
The time period in which The Awakening is set.
What is the late 19th century?
The motif used to represent middle class wealth versus working class wealth and often associated with Leonce Pontellier and/or Robert Lebrun.
What is cigars versus cigarettes?
The character who is used by the author primarily as a foil in order to better cast Edna's characterizations upon the reader.
Who is Madame Adele Ratignolle?
The setting in which the other half of The Awakening takes place.
What is New Orleans, Louisiana?
The reason for Adele faking an illness in order to have a private conversation with Robert.
What is to ask Robert to leave Edna alone because she is not like one of them?
The ideals and opinions prescribed to women of the 19th century depicting how they should behave and carry themselves.
What is the Cult of Domesticity?
The symbol & motif that represents nonconformity to (or freedom from) social etiquette and expectations.
What is the removal/absence of clothes?
The character who is described as self-centered and totally disconnected from his wife.
Who is Leonce Pontellier?
The setting in which Edna and Leonce Pontelleir engage in a dispute in chapter III and XI.
What is the cottage bedroom and porch?
The reaction of Edna to her husband's demand to attend to her children in chapter III.
What is Edna cries over her oppression?
The type of employment that distinguished the "new" middle class from the working class.
What is white collar jobs?
The image Edna conjures up while listening to Madamoiselle Reisz play "Solitude" on the piano; this image symbolizes Edna's desire and sight for freedom though it is still unattainable or not quite in her grasp.
What is the naked man on the rock watching a distant bird?
The owner of the cottages rented out by nearly all of the characters introduced so far throughout the text, including the Pontelliers and Ratignolles.
Who is Madame Lebrun?
The setting and image that consistently reflects Edna's mood throughout the book.
What is the voice of the sea?
The moment in the plot Edna describes as "no other" in which she can no longer return to her former self.
What is Edna's midnight swim of chapter X?
The five different elements enacted by members of the New Middle Class in order to distinguish themselves from the working class.
What is regard for personal hygiene, use of manners, suburban neighborhoods, clothing, and use of proper English?
The allusion and motif described in the lines, "How many years have I slept?"
What is Sleeping Beauty?
The character who is described as disagreeable though exhibits a fondness toward Edna Pontellier.
Who is Mademoiselle Reisz?
What is the Cheniere Caminada?
The reaction of Edna in response to Mademoiselle Reisz's playing of the piano after dinner.
What is Edna's physical senses awaken along with her mental awakening?