1. Investigate Creole culture. Discuss how Creoles possess both Spanish and French heritage and how this heritage influences their way of life. Illustrate the culture by detailing the customs and traditions upheld by Creole descendants, along with their everyday routines.

2. Critics view The Awakening as a work of psychological realism. In an essay, consider the following questions: How does Chopin employ psychological realism to make her characters convincing? Do her characters behave in ways you would anticipate? Elaborate on your answers.

3. Reflect on Leonce Pontellier, Robert Lebrun, and Alcee Arobin—the key male figures in The Awakening. How does each man embody his culture and era? What are the distinctive traits of each character? Discuss how and why you might relate to each of these men.