The Awakening Unit Final Essay
AP English Literature/ Mr. Mendelsohn/ Verdugo Hills Multimedia Magnet HS
In The Awakening, by Kate Chopin, the author explores several themes, including: a woman’s role in society and at home, search for personal identity, independence, the consequences of passion v. reason, and the interaction of art and life. Inevitably, the reader must come to terms with Edna’s death at the end of the novel. Based on the above information, choose one of the following prompts upon which to base your essay.
PROMPT ONE
In order to both advance the plot to its provocative conclusion and explore these themes, Chopin employs several recurring symbols, including: art, the ocean, swimming, the moon, sleeping & resting, music and piano playing, birds & wildlife, clothes, and food.
In a well-written essay of 3-5 pages, discuss how Chopin employs specific symbols to explore Edna’s journey, illustrate the themes, and how Edna’s choice at the end of the novel stands in contrast to other possible endings.
In order to be proficient, your essay must:
• directly address the prompt and demonstrate understanding of the text
• address a minimum of three different symbolic devices (see above list)
• use specific quotes (CDs) from the text
• demonstrate a clear understanding of connections between use of symbols and theme(s)
• draw a conclusion about Edna’s death: choice? suicide? accident? fate? other ideas?
PROMPT TWO
In order to explore Edna’s journey to its provocative conclusion and illustrate these themes, Chopin employs several female characters serving as foils to Edna, including Madame Ratignolle, Mademoiselle Reisz, Mariequita, The “Lady In Black,” and Madme LeBrun. In a well-written essay of 3-5 pages, discuss how Chopin uses other female characters in the novel as foils for Edna, and how Edna’s choice at the end of the novel stands in contrast to other possible endings.
In order to be proficient, your essay must:
• directly address the prompt and demonstrate understanding of the text
• address a minimum of three other female characters in the novel
• use specific quotes (CDs) from the text
• explore the significance of Edna’s final choice vs. other possibilities
• demonstrate a clear understanding of connections between the use of foils and theme(s)
• draw a conclusion about Edna’s death: choice? suicide? accident? fate? other ideas?
PROMPT THREE
In order to explore Edna’s journey to its provocative conclusion and illustrate these themes, Chopin employs several male characters serving as foils to Edna, including Leónce Pontellier, Robert Lebrun, Alcée Arobin, the Doctor, and her children, Raoul and Etienne Pontellier. In a well-written essay of 3-5 pages, discuss how Chopin uses other male characters in the novel as foils for Edna, and how Edna’s choice at the end of the novel stands in contrast to other possible endings.
In order to be proficient, your essay must:
• directly address the prompt and demonstrate understanding of the text
• address a minimum of three male characters in the novel
• use specific quotes (CDs) from the text
• explore the significance of Edna’s final choice vs. other possibilities
• demonstrate a clear understanding of connections between the use of foils and theme(s)
• draw a conclusion about Edna’s death: choice? suicide? accident? fate? other ideas?
See reverse side for essay criteria.
GENERAL ESSAY CRITERIA CHECKLIST
To meet the standards for writing, your essay must:
___ contain a thesis that addresses specific symbols OR character foils
___ follow MLA format for quotation marks and citations*
___ follow MLA format for name, date, class title, period and essay title
___ be at least three and no more than five typed, double-spaced pages w/standard 1” margins;
___12 pt. TNR font only; add Works Cited page (does not count as a page of text)
___ follow the mechanics, usage, and grammar of standard written English
___ be free of mechanical and printing errors (smudges, glitches, faded ink, etc.)
___ meet the standards for proficiency in the VHHS Writing Program Rubric
___ be turned in by the deadline
*CITING A QUOTATION W/INTRO TO CONCRETE DETAIL (ICD)
Adele is a foil for Edna because she represents the perfect example of everything Edna is not, or doesn’t want to be. Edna draws a clear philosophical distinction between herself and Adele, proclaiming "I would give up the unessential; I would give my money, I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself” (Chopin 62).
Revised 12/2014