The Awakening KATE CHOPIN About the author Kate

“ The Awakening KATE CHOPIN ”

About the author “ Kate Chopin (born Katherine O'Flaherty on February 8, 1850 – August 22, 1904) was an American author of short stories and novels, mostly of a Louisiana Creole background. She is now considered to have been a forerunner of feminist authors of the 20 th century. ”

Setting and content “ Grand Isle and New Orleans are the two settings for this novel. The story is structured to show Edna Pontellier gradually “awakens” to her true nature against a backdrop of the rigid moral and social restrictions of conventional 1899 society. This novel deals with both adultery and suicide; therefore, check your maturity. ”

Chapter 1 Objective : Visualizing Setting

l In this chapter, Chopin gives us a portrait of an island vacation spot. We know that the people who visit there for the summer are familiar with both the place and each other from summers past. l Make a detailed, and colored, sketch of what you think Grand Isle looks like, including the cottages, the main house, and other places mentioned in the chapter. Add any details (and annotations) you think will help capture the likeness of Grand Isle, based on the first chapter’s description.

Chapter 4 Objective: Writing a letter of reference

l Re-read all the information you can find about Mrs. Ratignolle in Chapter IV and write a reference letter for her as though she had been your children’s nanny. Your letter will be the most important reference for Mrs. Ratignolle when she applies for a new position. Write at least three paragraphs about her, updating mentions of her dress, manners, and attitude to reflect current-day expectations. Explain what you think her manner of dress and her actions reveal about the type of caregiver she is. Below is an example of how to begin: To Whom It May Concern; For the years I have known Adéle Ratignolle,

Chapter 5 Objective: Re-writing a scene from The Awakening as a play

l There is much close activity and dialogue between a few characters in Chapter V. Re-read it, imagining the characters on a stage; then rewrite it as a scene in a play. On the next slide is an example that you may use to start your scene. Make sure you include stage directions.

The Awakening – Scene 5 As the play opens, a friendly group of people is sitting outside enjoying the summer afternoon. Mrs. Ratignolle: “I want to tell you what I saw the other day on the beach. ” [She points to a spot past the large tree. ] Mrs. Pontellier and Robert exchange glances and warm smiles.

Chapter 6 Objective: Recognizing indications in plot

l Using the quotation from Chapter VI below for reference, write at least three paragraphs in which you answer the questions that follow. “Edna Pontellier could not have told why, wishing to go to the beach with Robert, she should in the first place have declined, and in the second place have followed in obedience to one of the two contradictory impulses which impelled her. “A certain light was beginning to dawn dimly within her, - the light which, showing the way, forbids it. “At that early period it served but to bewilder her. It moved her to dreams, to thoughtfulness, to the shadowy anguish which had overcome her the midnight when she had abandoned herself to tears. “In short, Mrs. Pontellier was beginning to realize her position in the universe as a human being, and to recognize her relations as an individual to the world within and about her. This may seem like a ponderous weight of wisdom to descend upon the soul of a young woman of twenty-eight -perhaps more wisdom than the Holy Ghost is usually pleased to vouchsafe to any woman.

“But the beginning of things, of a world especially, is necessarily vague, tangled, chaotic, and exceedingly disturbing. How few of us ever emerge from such beginning! How many souls perish in its tumult! “The voice of the sea is seductive; never ceasing whispering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander for a spell in abysses of solitude; to lose itself in mazes of inward contemplation. “The voice of the sea speaks to the soul. The touch o the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace. ” Answer the following: l What do you think the author is hinting about a future event in the novel? What do you think is happening to Edna Pontellier’s outlook on life in general? Is this the first or second indication of Edna’s change? What is she changing from? What is she changing into?

Chapters 7 -10 Objective: Recognizing a simile

l In Chapters VII-X, there a number of similes used to describe things, actions, and people. List at least ten similes you find in these chapters and the page numbers on which you find them. One has been done for you. 1. “… of a meadow that seemed as big as the ocean to the very little girl walking through the grass…” Page 33

Chapters 1 -9 Objective: Recognizing influences on characters’ emotions

l In Chapters I-IX, Edna Pontellier’s emotions are influenced by many of her family members, friends, and ideas. On the following EMOTIONS DIAGRAM, one connection has been made for you, naming a character or element that kindles the emotion of envy in Edna Pontellier. l Beginning at circle number 3, create a diagram on your paper that illustrates the names of those characters who inspire in Edna the emotions written in the square boxes. You will see three detached circles – numbers 2, 9 and 11 – which do not have any direct influence on her feelings. Find the three characters and put their names in those three circles. Fill in the rest of the numbered circles with appropriate characters’ names. Afterwards, explain the connection between the emotion and character. l Make sure your diagram is easy to read!

Now, give your explanation Circle 1 - Edna Pontellier has a certain amount of envy for Madame Ratignolle whom she feels possesses motherly qualities that Edna herself does not have. l Circle 2 through 12 – explain on your own! l l Your options are for the remaining circles are: ¡ Robert Lebrun, Montel, Leonce Pontellier, Mademoiselle Reisz, Monsieur Farival, The Farival twins, Herself, Her family, Her children The sea, A True artist

Chapters 1 -12 Objective: Defining unfamiliar words

l In the first few chapters of The Awakening, the author introduces the reader to new words. The book was written in the late 19 th century and is set in the Creole society in Louisiana. Words unfamiliar to us today were in common usage in that area at that time. l Using a dictionary or the Internet, create and fill in the following WORD CHART on the next slide. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the novel and write down the words we would use today. The first one is done for you.

Word in story Lugger Quadroon Rockaway Befurbelowed Crash Programme Weazened Mincing Smote Pirogue Meaning a small boat used for fishing, sailing or coasting Word we use today sailboat

Chapters 2 -15 Objective: Characterizing Robert Lebrun

In Chapters II-XV, we are given a portrait of the man with whom Edna Pontellier falls in love. We know that Robert is the first man Edna relates to when she first experiences her own sensuality and individuality. We also see how he encourages her drive to acquire her independence. l Copy the following TRAIT CHART and fill in the blank space in the second column with evidence supporting Robert’s possession of the given trait. In the last column, put the number or numbers for the pages on which you found the evidence. l

Trait Capricious Resourceful Agile Supportive Learned Unselfish Dependable Perceptive Persistent Intellectual Crafty Supporting Quote or Statement Page References to his summer with M. Duvigne. *25, 37. His banter with M. Ratignolle. His stories about 38 Aclee Arobin and a French tenor. (pages vary)

Chapter 15 Objective: Writing a letter

l In this chapter, Edna realizes that she is in love with Robert Lebrun and believes he loves her, too. When she finds out that he has plans to leave not only Grand Isle but Louisiana altogether, she is shocked and dismayed. Edna has no one to turn to with her problem and desperately wants someone to talk to about it. l Imagine that Edna can write to an advice columnist anonymously. As Edna, write a multi-paragraph letter explaining your situation and asking for advice. l Follow your letter with a one-paragraph answer from the columnist.

Chapter 15 Objective: Interpreting the meaning of language

l In this chapter, Edna arrives at dinner refreshed from her bath, only to hear that Robert is leaving for Mexico. She had previously heard nothing about it, even though she had spent the morning with him. l Put yourself in the story and answer the following questions. You may use quotations from the novel. 1. What is the significance of Robert’s action? 2. How would you feel if you were Edna? 3. How would you act if you were Robert? 4. In Madame Ratignolle’s place, how would you feel? 5. How is this scene important to Edna’s development?

Chapter 1 -16 Objective: Finding English definitions for French words

l In Chapters I-XVI, there a number of French phrases that have not been translated for us. Write down the meanings for the French words or phrases listed on the following LANGUAGE CHART and list the page numbers on which the French versions are found.

Chapter 1 -16 Objective: Finding English definitions for French words Si tu savais Paté Frandises Ma chere Pauvre chérie Au revior Poudre de riz Bon garcon “Oh if you knew”

Chapter 16 Objective: writing similes from prose

l On the following DO-IT-YOURSELF SIMILE CHART, copy and re-write the quotation given using a simile. The first one has been done for you. Quote/Statement “she spent much of her time in the water since she had acquired finally the art of swimming. ” “Robert’s going had some way taken the brightness, the color, the meaning out of everything. ” “There was a picture of M. Lebrun with Robert as a baby, seated in her lap, a round-faced infant with a fist in his mouth. ” The letter was on the bookshelf. ” She examined every detail of the outside before opening. ” Original simile She spent as much time in the water as a sea nymph since she had finally acquired the art of swimming

Quote/statement “Edna tapped her foot impatiently, and wondered why the children persisted in playing in the sun when they might be under the trees. ” “She had all her life long been accustomed to harbor thoughts and emotions which never voiced themselves. ” “Edna tried to appease her friend, to explain. ” Mademoiselle laughed maliciously. ” “She was very amiable during the walk back, and raved much over Edna’s appearance in her bathing suit. ” Original simile

Chapters 10 - 20 Objective: Writing chapter titles

Although the chapters in The Awakening are merely numbered, many authors title their chapters descriptively, including their contents. A chapter that concerns itself with a particularly horrible crime in the center of town, for example, might be “Murder on Main Street. ” l Write titles for chapters 10 -20 that give some indication of the chapter’s contents. The first one is done for you. l Chapter 10: More to the sea than swimming in it

Chapters 9, 16, and 21 Objective: Delineating Mademoiselle Reisz

l Mademoiselle Reisz is portrayed in great detail as a very independent, mature woman and, as an inspiration to Edna Pontellier. l Copy the following TRAIT CHART FOR MADEMOISELLE REISZ, note the trait given in the first column, indicate whether you agree or disagree that Mademoiselle Reisz possesses it, and quote a phrase from the novel to support your judgment. When quoting, be sure to include a page number. The first one has been done for you.

Trait Friendly Empathetic Youthful Quarrelsome Artistic Pretty Graceful Sarcastic Judgmental Frugal Cowardly Dishonest Agree or Disagree disagree Quote and Page “She was a disagreeable little woman. ” *Page 43

Chapter 22 Objective: Interpreting dialogue and actions

l In Chapter XXII, Léonce Pontellier goes to see Dr. Mandelet, an old friend and the family’s physician. He wants to ask the doctor for some advice but he also wants his own opinions validated. l Re-read the scene between the two men carefully and interpret the meaning of their actions and their words. For example, when the doctor looks disapprovingly over his glasses, his action indicates that he does not look kindly on Léonce’s intrusion.

An example is provided for you. Dialogue/Action “Oh! I’m never sick, Doctor. You know that I come of tough fiber – of that old Creole race of Pontelliers that dry up and finally blow away. I came to…talk to you about Edna. I don’t know what ails her. ” Mr. Pontellier leans forward, whirling his walking stick between his two hands. “ ‘Her whole attitude – toward me and everybody and everything – has changed…she’s making it devilishly uncomfortable for me, ’ he went on nervously” The doctor lifts his eyebrows, protrudes his lower lip, and taps the arms of his chair. “That’s what I want her to do. She won’t go to the marriage. She says a wedding is one of the most lamentable spectacles on earth. Nice thing for a woman to say to her husband!” The doctor wants to ask if there is another man involved, but keeps silent, staring at the garden from his chair by the window. Interpretation Leonce boasts of his toughness, contrasting it with his wife’s “ailing” condition. He makes the assumption that something is wrong with her.

Chapters 1 -24 Objective: Identifying Léonce Pontellier’s traits

People’s character traits can become hallmarks of their personalities. For example, if a person doesn’t steal things or cheat people, that person can be said to possess the quality of honesty or integrity. l Copy the following TRAIT CHART for Léonce Pontellier, name the characteristic located and described in the first two columns. The first one has been completed for you. Give at least two (2) traits for each column. l

Supporting quotes or statements Trait “…shrugged his shoulders. He did not know; Self -involved perhaps he would return for the early dinner, perhaps not. ” Watches Edna with Robert on the beach, looks at Edna as “property”. Sends box of bonbons, says they will give her sister a fine wedding gift Works for a living Pays for house, furnishings, possessions ‘What folly! To bathe at such an hour in such heat. ” “I can’t permit you to stay out there all night. ”

Supporting quotes or statements Complains about the food. Leaves the table to take dinner at the club. Reproaches wife for inattention to children. Angry about Edna neglecting “Wifley duties”. Wants Edna to be submissive. Considers musical evenings middle class, criticizes people and things that do not interest him. Thinks he knows what’s best for Edna. Tries to make Edna feel guilty for not receiving Tuesday callers. Tells Edna she is sunburned “beyond recognition”. Denies Edna’s ability to maker her own decisions. Denies Edna’s artistic talents. Trait

Chapters 25 -34 Objective: Analyzing Alcee Arobin

l Alcée Arobin is introduced to the reader in a rather understated way in Chapter XXIII. Dr. Mandelet hopes to himself that if there is a man other than her husband in Edna’s life it isn’t Arobin. Copy the following TRAIT CHART for Alcée Arobin, list some of his most important traits, quoting from the book to support your choices. Include page numbers. The first one has been done for you.

Trait Seductive Charming Presumptuous Aggressive Deceitful Beguiling Self-Involved Quote “He did not answer, except to continue to caress her. He did not say good night until she had become supple to his gentle, seductive entreaties. ”

Chapter 33 Objective: Writing a poem from prose

l Write a poem of at least fourteen lines that captures the feeling of the passage in Chapter XXXIII in which Edna goes to Mademoiselle Reisz’s apartment. You may use the line below as your first line. I go to seek the friendship of one who understands.

Chapter 34 Objective: Recognizing emotion

l This chapter is the first one devoted to the occasion of Robert’s visiting with Edna at the pigeon-house after his return to New Orleans from Mexico. Their conversation is charged with feelings because it is the first time they have been alone in a private setting. Many different emotions surface as they talk and attempt to regain what they felt at Grand Isle in the summer. l Find instances of the following emotions in Chapter XXXIV, jotting examples down next to the emotions to which they correspond. The first one is done for you.

l Embarrassment ¡ l l l l l Edna things the place is too small to be impressive Aloofness Nervousness Hesitation Adamancy Jealousy Anxiety Sarcasm Fear Impatience

Chapter 39 Objective: Recognizing sensory detail

l The last chapter of The Awakening is full of particulars that lead us to the end of Edna’s search. Many of the descriptive sentences use words that appeal to the 5 senses. For example, you can almost hear the sounds Victor makes as he works. “Victor, with hammer and nails and scraps of scantling, was patching a corner of one of the galleries. ” l List at least ten sensory details from Chapter XXXIX, noting which sense each activates. The first is done for you. l “The sun was beating down upon them” (TOUCH)

Chapter 39 Objective: Finding reason for behavior

l The Awakening provides many causes for reflection, not the least of which is the way the novel ends. l On the next slide is a list of possible reasons why Edna takes her life. For each one, explain whether you think the reason given is likely or not likely. Then describe your own feelings as to why Edna committed suicide.

Edna drowns herself… 1. to teach Leonce a lesson. - likely; Leonce was demanding, so the only way to get through to him was to not return to him ever again. Then, he would recognize her as an individual 2. 3. to get away from the children. because she doesn’t feel able to stand other people’s criticism of her affair. to get even with Robert for leaving. because she doesn’t thin Leonce will give her a divorce. because her paintings aren’t good enough. because to swim back would be like taking a step backwards in her development. to show M. Reisz that she had a courageous soul. because it is the only way to keep the love she knows she cannot have alive. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Wrap Up Objectives: 1) Writing a sequel to a story 2) Determining meaning through a title

1) l Write a one-page sequel for The Awakening. Begin with what might happen in Grand Isle, New Orleans, Mrs. Pontellier’s circle when the news of her suicide is made public. 2) l What do you think of the title of the story? Did you understand its significance? Can you come up with a better title? Write your answers in a paragraph or two.

You did it! l Congrats.