The Awakening by Kate Chopin Multiple Choice Questions

Read the excerpt from chapter 31 of The Awakening. He looked around, and began to turn out some of the lights. "What about upstairs?" he inquired. "I think it is all right; but there may be a window or two unlatched. We had better look; you might take a candle and see. And bring me my wrap and hat on the foot of the bed in the middle room." He went up with the light, and Edna began closing doors and windows. She hated to shut in the smoke and the fumes of the wine. Arobin found her cape and hat, which he brought down and helped her to put on. What does this excerpt reveal about the role Arobin has taken in Edna's life? A. In Leonce's absence, Arobin has become Edna's substitute husband. B. Arobin has become her closest confidante and most trusted friend. C. Edna views Arobin as her perfect mate and feels at ease with him. D. Arobin has become the new lord of the house on Esplanade Street.

A. In Leonce's absence, Arobin has become Edna's substitute husband.

Read the excerpt from chapter 29 of The Awakening. Whatever was her own in the house, everything which she had acquired aside from her husband's bounty, she caused to be transported to the other house, supplying simple and meager deficiencies from her own resources. By moving only the belongings she acquired without her husband, Edna is A. asserting her independence and rejecting the traditional role of a wife. B. getting rid of items that would only clutter up the small pigeon house. C. becoming a regular person rather than a member of the aristocracy. D. hoping to win back Robert's favor after he has apparently abandoned her.

A. asserting her independence and rejecting the traditional role of a wife.

Read the excerpt from chapter 31 of The Awakening. "Will you have a spray of jessamine?" he asked, breaking off a few blossoms as he passed. "No; I don't want anything." She seemed disheartened, and had nothing to say. She took his arm, which he offered her, holding up the weight of her satin train with the other hand. She looked down, noticing the black line of his leg moving in and out so close to her against the yellow shimmer of her gown. There was the whistle of a railway train somewhere in the distance, and the midnight bells were ringing. They met no one in their short walk. What does Edna's rejection of the jessamine reveal to the reader? A. that she is losing interest in her relationship with Arobin B. that she is torn between her two handsome young lovers C. that she is tired from the evening's affairs and needs sleep D. that she will soon leave New Orleans and her family altogether

A. that she is losing interest in her relationship with Arobin

Read the excerpt from chapter 34 of The Awakening. "Fine fellow, that Lebrun," said Arobin when Robert had gone. "I never heard you speak of him." "I knew him last summer at Grand Isle," she replied. What becomes apparent during this conversation? A. Robert and Arobin are both aware they are rivals for Edna's affections. B. Arobin is unaware of Robert's role in Edna's life, but Robert is aware of Arobin's role. C. Robert is completely unaware of Arobin's romantic intentions and love for Edna. D. Robert has much more confidence in himself than Arobin does.

B. Arobin is unaware of Robert's role in Edna's life, but Robert is aware of Arobin's role.

Read the excerpt from chapter 30 of The Awakening. The golden shimmer of Edna's satin gown spread in rich folds on either side of her. There was a soft fall of lace encircling her shoulders. It was the color of her skin, without the glow, the myriad living tints that one may sometimes discover in vibrant flesh. There was something in her attitude, in her whole appearance when she leaned her head against the high-backed chair and spread her arms, which suggested the regal woman, the one who rules, who looks on, who stands alone. What does this excerpt reveal about Edna's character? A. Edna is comfortable wearing rich fabrics such as lace and silk, and feels completely at ease at the dinner table. B. Edna plays the role of the gracious hostess very well, but is actually isolated from her peers. C. Edna has no patience for her guests, but rather treats them as a queen may treat her loyal subjects. D. Edna's attitude is haughty, as required of a woman of her social stature living in New Orleans.

B. Edna plays the role of the gracious hostess very well, but is actually isolated from her peers.

Read the excerpt from chapter 33 of The Awakening. "Does he boast of his successes?" asked Edna, indifferently, squinting at her picture. Edna's casual response to Madame Ratignolle's concerns reveals that A. she likes and trusts Arobin a great deal more than Madame Ratignolle. B. she is a lot less concerned with public opinion than Madame Ratignolle. C. she is a much more careful about her reputation than Madame Ratignolle. D. she is more concerned about her painting than Madame Ratignolle.

B. she is a lot less concerned with public opinion than Madame Ratignolle.

Which excerpt best reveals Edna's doubts about Robert's feelings for her in chapter 33 of The Awakening? A. "Mrs. Pontellier! How do you happen—oh! how well you look! Is Mademoiselle Reisz not here? I never expected to see you." B. "When did you come back?" asked Edna in an unsteady voice, wiping her face with her handkerchief. C. So he had come back because the Mexicans were not congenial . . . because of any reason, and not because he cared to be near her. D. A hundred times Edna had pictured Robert's return, and imagined their first meeting. It was usually at her home, whither he had sought her out at once.

C. So he had come back because the Mexicans were not congenial . . . because of any reason, and not because he cared to be near her.

In chapter 33 of The Awakening, why are the names "Mrs. Merriman" and "Mrs. Highcamp" significant? A. Their names directly reflect how Edna feels about the two women. B. Their names have no importance and have no apparent significance. C. Their names are direct reflection of their character traits and social standings. D. Their names are a clear indicator of their rather poor social skills.

C. Their names are direct reflection of their character traits and social standings.

Read the excerpt from chapter 33 of The Awakening. Then in the afternoon Mrs. Merriman and Mrs. Highcamp had made their "party call." Edna felt that they might have dispensed with the formality. They had also come to invite her to play vingt-et-un one evening at Mrs. Merriman's. She was asked to go early, to dinner, and Mr. Merriman or Mr. Arobin would take her home. Edna accepted in a half-hearted way. She sometimes felt very tired of Mrs. Highcamp and Mrs. Merriman. Edna's weariness of Mrs. Merriman and Mrs. Highcamp is a reflection of her A. rejection of her husband, Mr. Pontellier. B. deepening passion for Robert Lebrun. C. disillusionment with conventional society. D. desire to be left alone once and for all.

C. disillusionment with conventional society.

Read the excerpt from chapter 34 of The Awakening. "What was she like—the one who gave you the pouch? You must have known her very well." "She was very ordinary. She wasn't of the slightest importance. I knew her well enough." "Did you visit at her house? Was it interesting? I should like to know and hear about the people you met, and the impressions they made on you." What do Edna's questions to Robert reveal about her emotional state? A. She has a keen interest in Mexican culture and life in Vera Cruz. B. She would like to learn how to embroider pouches like his. C. She is happy that Robert was not lonely during his sojourn in Mexico. D. She is jealous that Robert treasures a gift a from another woman.

D. She is jealous that Robert treasures a gift a from another woman.