Here Are a Few Questions for Study and Discussion

The Awakening by Kate Chopin

Here are a few questions for study and discussion.

1.  What is important about the title?

2.  What are the conflicts in The Awakening? What types of conflict (physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional) did you notice in this novel?

3.  How does Kate Chopin reveal character in The Awakening?

4.  What are some themes in the story? How do they relate to the plot and characters?

5.  What are some symbols in The Awakening? How do they relate to the plot and characters?

6.  Is Edna Pontellier consistent in her actions? Is she a fully developed character? How? Why?

7.  Do you find the characters likable? Are the characters persons you would want to meet?

8.  Does the story end the way you expected? How? Why?

9.  What is the central/primary purpose of the story? Is the purpose important or meaningful?

10.  Why is this novel usually considered a work of feminist literature?

11.  How essential is the setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else?

12.  What is the role of women in the text? How are mothers represented? What about single/independent women?