is posted in Classes / Recent Program Materials
The Awakening
| Keep track of favorite lines and passages from The Awakening, any questions you have. Chapter XIII–the trip with Robert to the Cheniere Caminada–its significance Chapter XXVII – look back at Chapter VI as well. These are the two shortest chapters in the novel. Edna’s painting and the on-going role of Mlle Reisz. Robert vs. Alcee Edna’s father and his race horses. . Doctor Mandalet’s advice to the husband and later comments to her as they leave the birth scene. Birthday party–Edna turns 29. Her pigeon house. Who is and isn’t there. How it ends. Rings and weddings, the lovers, the lady in black with her rosary beads. The novel’s ambiance. Edna and her children. The final chapters: Robert, Mme Ratignolle’s accouchement/new life, Edna’s return to Grande Isle, her final thoughts, the bird with the broken wing. Is the ending an escape, a rebirth?? How is Edna like and unlike Kae and Ramatou? How do the three marriages compare? How do the three husbands compare? What kind of role models do the other women in each novel represent? Which ending is the most positive…. Which did you like best? What else would you like us to discuss? |