2. Kate Chopin
Considered a forerunner of feminist
authors in the 20th century
Published in Atlantic Monthly and Vogue
Lived in Louisiana with her husband Oscar
Chopin
When Oscar and her mother died the
family doctor proscribed writing as a
remedy
The Awakening was ahead of its time and
not culturally embraced.
4. Literary Critics
According to Andrew Stearns essay called “Civilization in the United
States,” women "turn intellectual life into an instrument of moral reform
leaving culture crippled and sterile and men repressed and debilitated.
Hope lies not in the liberation of women but in the liberation of culture
from women and the dull standardization they force upon it, making it a
spiritual prison" (119).
American literature is being "strangled with a petticoat" according to
Joseph Hergesheimer announced in the Yale Review (1929).
One expectation the more sinister for being unexamined was that
women should write as they should live in a minor key, if not journals then
"sentimental" novels or "sweet" lyrics about "domestic" affairs.
5. Setting
What is the significance of the setting?
Why is the setting stifling/ liberating to Edna?
How does the setting impact societal norms and
standards.
"Increasingly, southern women had opportunities, but they still faced the
complexities of a southern society that claimed to protect southern
womanhood as an institution only worthy of the pedastal” --Mary Weaks-
Baxter
6. Cultural Implications
Women were seen as a the “angels of the
household” delegated to domestic duties and
childrearing.
How does Edna conform to these standards?
How does she problematize them?
Once belles are married they are expected to sacrifice everything for the
benefit of their husbands and children "even though it call for the sacrifice of
their own enjoyments.”—Katherine Siedel
7. Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Refused to be called Mrs. John
Stanton.
Refused to have the words “to
obey” be included in the
wedding vows.
Was married for 47 years and
both parties considered the
marriage to be a success.
John was not always supportive
of his wife’s “projects,”
especially suffrage.
8. You read “On Divorce” by Stanton. How does
she try to persuade a male audience that
women should be equal partners within
marriage?
Do you believe that Edna and Leonce are
equal partners in the marriage? Why or why
not?
According to this essay, could Edna divorce
Leonce? What are the social ramifications of
such an action?
9. Marriage
Why does Edna marry Mr. Pontellier?
How does their marriage compare to the
Ratignoles’?
In your opinion, what kind of husband is Mr.
Pontellier? Does he have redeeming qualities?
Is it fair to judge him by today’s standards? Why
or why not?
10. Children and Motherhood
Describe Edna’s relationship to her children.
How does her relationship with her kids compare with that of
her friend Adele’s relationship with her children?
Who takes care of the Pontellier children?
Does Edna live up to Mr. Pontellier’s expectations of
motherhood? Why or why not?
Edna claims she will give up the unessential but never
sacrifice a part of herself for her children. What do you think
she means by this statement? Is this a fair statement in your
opinion? Why or why not?
11. Types of Women
Chopin presents us with three very different female
characters. With your group, come up with a list of
personality traits that you believe define these women.
Find some supporting evidence to back up these claims
(quotes from the text):
Edna
Mademoiselle Reisz
Adele Ratignole
12. Stereotypes
Do these women seem stereotypical to you?
Why is Edna unable to conform to the models
of womanhood that Reisz and Ratignole
present?
13. Motif and Themes
Motif: a recurring element, theme, object, subject
or idea
Theme: a recurrent idea
Often abstract: preservation, powerlessness, good
vs. evil, etc.
15. Maya Angelou
Writer and Civil Rights Activist
Pulitzer Prize winning poetry collection
I know why the Caged Bird Sings was
the first nonfiction book to be a best
seller
Read her poetry at President Bill
Clinton’s inauguration
Martin Luther King was a friend and
confidant
16. Comparison: Free Writing
You read Maya Angelou’s poem, “Caged
Bird.” In what ways is Edna like the Caged
bird described in the poem?
In what ways does Edna differ from this bird?
In your opinion is Edna ever free?
17. Slut Shaming?
Edna has three very different relationships with men
throughout the novel. Describe her relationship with each
man. What motivates Edna to pursue them?
Leonce
Robert
Alcee
Several critics renounced the novel believing Edna to be
too promiscuous. Is Edna just a slut? Why or why not?
What is your opinion about her morality?
18. The ending
Why are Adele’s last words to Edna so significant?
Why does Edna return to Grand Isle?
Do you believe she intended to kill herself? Why
or why not?
If so, why could she think of no other way out?
What is she thinking about right before she dies?
