The Awakening Study Guide
Knows these characters and be able to describe them:
Edna Pontallier
Leonce Pontellier
Raoul Pontellier (youngest son)
Etienne Pontellier (oldest)
Mlle. Reisz
Mariequita
Victor Lebrun
Robert Lebrun
Alcee Arobin
Adele Ratignolle
Colonel
Dr. Mandelet
Know the following quotes (spoken by the following: Leonce, Edna, Mlle. Reisz, Adele,
Dr. Mangelet, Alcee Arobin, Colonel)
“Your manner has not misled me, Mrs. Pontellier. My own emotions have done that. I
couldn’t help it. When I’m near you, how could I help it?”
“You are too lenient, too lenient by far, Leonce. Authority, coercion are what is needed.
Put your foot down good and hard; the only way to manage a wife.”
“Don’t contradict her. The mood will pass, I assure you. It may take a month, two, three
months – possible longer, but it will pass; have patience.”
“You are burnt beyond recognition.”
“I mean to stay out here. I don’t wish to go in, and I don’t intend to. Don’t speak to me
like that again; I shall not answer you.”
“Do me a favor, Robert . . .I only ask for one; let Mrs. Pontellier alone.”
“The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have
strong wings. It is a sad spectacle to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back
to earth.”
Be prepared to complete some short answer essay responses, which will require you
to use specifics from the text (dealing with a variety of ideas including, but not
limited to imagery, symbolism, the concept of woman as property, “local color”
story, foils, feminist perspective, etc.)