Read the excerpt from The Awakening.

Question

The very first chords which Mademoiselle Reisz struck upon the piano sent a keen tremor down Mrs. Pontellier's spinal column. It was not the first time she had heard an artist at the piano. Perhaps it was the first time she was ready, perhaps the first time her being was tempered to take an impress of the abiding truth.

She waited for the material pictures which she thought would gather and blaze before her imagination. She waited in vain. She saw no pictures of solitude, of hope, of longing, or of despair. But the very passions themselves were aroused within her soul, swaying it, lashing it, as the waves daily beat upon her splendid body. She trembled, she was choking, and the tears blinded her.

Which statement best explains how the excerpt reveals a moment of epiphany for Mrs. Pontellier?
She is lost in memories from her past.
She recognizes her moral duty to society.
She understands exactly what action she must take.
She is going through a personal transformation.

Answer 1

The statement that best explains how the excerpt reveals a moment of epiphany for Mrs. Pontellier is: She is going through a personal transformation.

In this passage, Mrs. Pontellier experiences a profound emotional awakening as she connects with the music in a way that stirs deep passions within her. The tumult of her feelings—described as swaying and lashing—suggests a significant internal change, indicating that she is moving towards a new understanding of herself and her emotions, which aligns with the theme of personal transformation in "The Awakening."

Answer 2

Read each of the excerpts from The Awakening.

The youngsters came tumbling up the steps, the quadroon following at the respectful distance which they required her to observe. Mrs. Pontellier made them carry her paints and things into the house. She sought to detain them for a little talk and some pleasantry. But they were greatly in earnest. They had only come to investigate the contents of the bonbon box.

***
[Mrs. Pontellier] stood watching the fair woman walk down the long line of galleries with the grace and majesty which queens are sometimes supposed to possess. Her little ones ran to meet her. Two of them clung about her white skirts, the third she took from its nurse and with a thousand endearments bore it along in her own fond, encircling arms.

Which best explains why the author included both of these scenes in the story?
to develop a contrast between the way in which Mrs. Pontellier and Madame Ratignolle carry out traditional female roles
to develop an understanding of the role of a quadroon in raising children during the time period
to develop an understanding of the close friendship that exists between Mrs. Pontellier and Madame Ratignolle
to develop a contrast between the way in which the quadroon and the nurse accept their positions as mother figures

Answer 3

The statement that best explains why the author included both of these scenes in the story is: to develop a contrast between the way in which Mrs. Pontellier and Madame Ratignolle carry out traditional female roles.

In the first excerpt, Mrs. Pontellier is depicted as somewhat detached from her children, focusing on her own interests (like painting) while the youngsters are more interested in the bonbon box. In contrast, the second excerpt showcases Madame Ratignolle in a nurturing role, surrounded by her children, displaying affection and fulfillment in her traditional role as a mother. This juxtaposition illustrates the differences in how both women embody and respond to the expectations of womanhood and motherhood in their society.

Answer 4

Read each of the excerpts from The Awakening.

[Madame Ratignolle] acceded to the suggestion of bouillon, which was grateful and acceptable. [Robert Lebrun] went himself to the kitchen, which was a building apart from the cottages and lying to the rear of the house. And he himself brought her the golden-brown bouillon, in a dainty Sèvres cup, with a flaky cracker or two on the saucer.

***
Madame Lebrun went back to the machine, crimson with annoyance. Victor was the younger son and brother—a tête montée [hot-headed], with a temper which invited violence and a will which no ax could break.

Which best explains why the author included both of these scenes in the story?
to develop a contrast between the two sons of Madame Lebrun
to develop an understanding of the role of women during the time period
to develop a contrast between Madame Ratignolle and Madame Lebrun
to develop an understanding of the role of men during the time period

Answer 5

The statement that best explains why the author included both of these scenes in the story is: to develop a contrast between Madame Ratignolle and Madame Lebrun.

In the first excerpt, Madame Ratignolle is portrayed in a positive light, receiving care and attention from Robert Lebrun, which reflects her femininity and the nurturing aspects of her character. In contrast, the second excerpt depicts Madame Lebrun as frustrated and annoyed with her son Victor, highlighting a different type of tension and struggle within the female experience in the story. This comparison emphasizes differing attitudes and circumstances faced by the two women, showcasing how their lives diverge in response to familial issues and social expectations.

Answer 6

Read the excerpt from The Awakening.

The very first chords which Mademoiselle Reisz struck upon the piano sent a keen tremor down Mrs. Pontellier's spinal column. It was not the first time she had heard an artist at the piano. Perhaps it was the first time she was ready, perhaps the first time her being was tempered to take an impress of the abiding truth.

She waited for the material pictures which she thought would gather and blaze before her imagination. She waited in vain. She saw no pictures of solitude, of hope, of longing, or of despair. But the very passions themselves were aroused within her soul, swaying it, lashing it, as the waves daily beat upon her splendid body. She trembled, she was choking, and the tears blinded her.

Which best describes one element of the literary device “epiphany” as evidenced in this excerpt?
powerful, vivid emotion
a lack of emotion
a reference to nature
the resolution of a problemRead the excerpt from The Awakening.

The very first chords which Mademoiselle Reisz struck upon the piano sent a keen tremor down Mrs. Pontellier's spinal column. It was not the first time she had heard an artist at the piano. Perhaps it was the first time she was ready, perhaps the first time her being was tempered to take an impress of the abiding truth.

She waited for the material pictures which she thought would gather and blaze before her imagination. She waited in vain. She saw no pictures of solitude, of hope, of longing, or of despair. But the very passions themselves were aroused within her soul, swaying it, lashing it, as the waves daily beat upon her splendid body. She trembled, she was choking, and the tears blinded her.

Which best describes one element of the literary device “epiphany” as evidenced in this excerpt?
powerful, vivid emotion
a lack of emotion
a reference to nature
the resolution of a problem

Answer 7

The element of the literary device "epiphany" as evidenced in this excerpt is best described by powerful, vivid emotion.

In the passage, Mrs. Pontellier experiences an intense emotional response to the music played by Mademoiselle Reisz. The description of her sensations—such as trembling, choking, and being blinded by tears—highlights a moment of profound emotional awakening or realization. This powerful emotional experience is a hallmark of an epiphany, where a character undergoes a significant moment of insight or clarity.