The Awakening Group at eNotes

Grammardog Guide to The Awakening

"The Awakening" Research Guide

Mme. Ratignolle shows the society's view of women as mothers. Her advice...

Tue, 5 May 2009 10:24:03 PST

Mme. Ratignolle shows the society's view of women as mothers. Her advice to Edna is to "remember the children." Ratignolle is loving and nurturing, but devoid of independence or personality. Mlle. Reisz, though, is living her life as she desires, not caring what society thinks of her. She is able to be extravagant and lavish, fully embracing her artistic capabilities because she does not have other obligations. She denies society's structure,...

How do Mlle. Reisz and Mme. Ratignolle function in relation to Edna and...

Mon, 4 May 2009 13:31:38 PST

How do Mlle. Reisz and Mme. Ratignolle function in relation to Edna and the novel's view of women as mothers and artists?

I'll be glad to help you! First of all, you already have something of a...

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:44:40 PST

I'll be glad to help you! First of all, you already have something of a ready-made structure for your paper, because you can devote a section to your introduction, a section each to the three male characters and Edna's relationship to them, and a conclusion section. My advice to you would be to consider each character and use index cards to jot down notes about them, one note per character per index card. You can spread these around on a table...

Since you have put "research paper" as your assignment, you may need...

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:44:40 PST

Since you have put "research paper" as your assignment, you may need to learn about the history of the French Quarter in New Orleans and the Creole culture. For, it is in this environment that Edna Pontellier feels confined. Her husband, afterall, is a typical Creole gentleman who expects Edna to be devoted to him, their children, and their social obligations. Also, Dr. Mandelet is typical as he will not overstep Creole boundaries to...

I need help on how to write a research paper on Edna Pontellier from The...

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:20:38 PST

I need help on how to write a research paper on Edna Pontellier from The Awakening and her relationships with the three men.

This question has been previously asked and answered. Please see the...

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 11:07:03 PST

This question has been previously asked and answered. Please see the link below, and thank you for using eNotes.

Why did Edna commit suicide in "The Awakening"?

Sun, 5 Apr 2009 20:29:22 PST

Why did Edna commit suicide in "The Awakening"?

In The Awakening, Edna is a woman reaching for things her society does...

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:20:59 PST

In The Awakening, Edna is a woman reaching for things her society does not believe she should have – freedom, individuality, love, sex, equality. Over the course of the novella, she begins to taste of these things. Despite being reminded repeatedly by her husband that she should be content, even fulfilled, by her role as his wife and mother to their children, she is unable to find that contentment or fulfillment. The implication is that...

hahahah are you a CAMS student?

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 23:08:25 PST

hahahah are you a CAMS student?

Painting evokes the passion that Edna lacks in her life. However, there...

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 22:01:54 PST

Painting evokes the passion that Edna lacks in her life. However, there are suggestions that Edna's art is somehow flawed. When she tries to make a sketch of Madame Ratignolle, we are told that the sketch is very good in some respects, but not a good likeness. Madame Reisz cautions Edna about what it takes to be an artist, the "courageous soul" and the "stronged wings." Edna also loves her children, however she would not give herself to her...

"Grab for too much and it slips away from you."-Creole proverb. Discuss...

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:53:27 PST

"Grab for too much and it slips away from you."-Creole proverb. Discuss this proverb in relation to Edna.

Racing comes into the plot several times in connection with Edna,...

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:13:01 PST

Racing comes into the plot several times in connection with Edna, Arobin, and the Colonel. Discuss its significance.

This question is perhaps better suited for the discussion boards,...

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:50:05 PST

This question is perhaps better suited for the discussion boards, because it is somewhat an opinionated question. In my view, no she should not be sympathized with, especially when it comes to her treatment of her children. She viewed them as things to entertain her, and when they were no longer amusing to her, she sent them away. While it is a book about finding one's self and abandoning the oppressive traditions of society, Edna's pursuit...

What features make The Awakening a "local color" story?

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:05:48 PST

What features make The Awakening a "local color" story?

Discuss the imagery of darkness, shadows, and night.

Sun, 8 Mar 2009 20:57:47 PST

Discuss the imagery of darkness, shadows, and night.

Should Edna be sympathied with in The Awakening?

Sun, 8 Mar 2009 17:45:40 PST

Her action with her son?

1. What kind of mother is Edna? What kind of artist is she?

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:29:39 PST

1. What kind of mother is Edna? What kind of artist is she?

What features make The Awakening a "local color" story?

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:52:19 PST

What features make The Awakening a "local color" story?