Read the excerpt from chapter 11 of The Awakening.

Question

“Edna, dear, are you not coming in soon?” he asked again, this time fondly, with a note of entreaty.

“No, I am going to stay out here.”

“This is more than folly,” he blurted out. “I can’t permit you to stay out there all night. You must come in the house instantly.”

Which best explains how Chopin’s use of language represents her style?
Chopin uses dialogue that shows her critical view of Edna as a disrespectful wife.
Chopin uses dialogue that would sound odd and out of place if spoken in the real world.
Chopin uses dialogue that disguises the true feelings of the characters who are speaking.
Chopin uses dialogue that could realistically take place between a husband and wife.

Answer 1

Chopin uses dialogue that could realistically take place between a husband and wife.

In this excerpt, the interaction between Edna and her husband reflects a relatable dynamic in a marital relationship. The language and tone are authentic, capturing the emotional tension and conflicting desires present in their conversation. This choice in dialogue helps to convey the themes of the story and illustrates the complexities of their relationship, making it accessible to readers.

Answer 2

Read the excerpt from chapter 11 of The Awakening.

Edna began to feel like one who awakens gradually out of a dream, a delicious, grotesque, impossible dream, to feel again the realities pressing into her soul. The physical need for sleep began to overtake her; the exuberance which had sustained and exalted her spirit left her helpless and yielding to the conditions which crowded her in.

Which best explains how the excerpt is an example of naturalism?
Edna has no control over her human condition and the realities of her life.
Edna is resistant to the natural forces and rhythms of her humanness.
Edna is able to free herself from her reality through a vivid fantasy life.
Edna shows a natural need for sleep that all living creatures require.

Answer 3

Edna has no control over her human condition and the realities of her life.

This excerpt illustrates naturalism by depicting Edna's struggle with the forces of her physical and emotional reality. The description of her awakening from a "delicious, grotesque, impossible dream" highlights her lack of control over her circumstances and the inevitable pressures of reality. Naturalism often focuses on how individuals are shaped by their environment and biological instincts, and in this passage, Edna's helplessness in the face of her physical needs reflects that inherent struggle within the human condition.

Answer 4

Read the excerpt, spoken by Robert to Edna, from The Awakening.

“You have slept precisely one hundred years. I was left here to guard your slumbers; and for one hundred years I have been out under the shed reading a book. The only evil I couldn’t prevent was to keep a broiled fowl from drying up.”

Which best expresses the connotation of the word “guard” as it is used by Robert in the excerpt?
Robert is representing himself as Edna’s friend, confidant, and companion.
Robert is representing himself as a loyal servant to Edna’s family, a watchful eye.
Robert is representing himself as Edna’s prince, protector, and savior.
Robert is representing himself as Edna’s jail keeper, a barrier to her escape.

Answer 5

Robert is representing himself as Edna’s prince, protector, and savior.

The use of the word "guard" in this context connotes a sense of watchfulness and care, suggesting that Robert sees himself as someone who has been looking out for Edna during her prolonged state of oblivion. His tone implies affection and a desire to protect her, aligning with the metaphor of a prince or savior who oversees the well-being of someone in a vulnerable position. This interpretation suggests a romantic or heroic view of his role in her life.

Answer 6

Read the excerpt from chapter 13 of The Awakening.

[Edna] stretched her strong limbs that ached a little. She ran her fingers through her loosened hair for awhile. She looked at her round arms as she held them straight up and rubbed them one after the other, observing closely, as if it were something she saw for the first time, the fine, firm quality and texture of her flesh. She clasped her hands easily above her head, and it was thus she fell asleep.

Which best explains how the excerpt is an example of realism?
The actions of the character are out of her control.
Strong imagery is developed through the use of figurative language.
The details of what is happening are true to life.
Strong imagery is developed through the use of connotation.

Answer 7

The details of what is happening are true to life.

This excerpt exemplifies realism through its focus on ordinary, everyday actions and sensations. Edna's actions—stretching her limbs, running her fingers through her hair, and observing her body—reflect a realistic portrayal of a moment of self-awareness and physicality. The emphasis on her physical experience is grounded in the real-life sensations and thoughts one might have, making it relatable and true to everyday experiences. This focus on the mundane and the authentic aspects of human life is a hallmark of realism.