English 1001—Great American Authors

Discussion Questions for Kate Chopin's The Awakening, chapters I-X.

1. Where does this novel take place?

2. Describe the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Pontellier. Is it a happy marriage? What problems do they have?

3. What does Mrs. Ratignolle mean when she tells Robert that Mrs. Pontellier "is not one of us"?

4. Why did Mrs. Pontellier marry Mr. Pontellier?

5. What causes Mrs. Pontellier's encounter with death?