Krantz
English 2710
Group Discussion questions

"The Mortal Immortal" and The Awakening

1. With whom does Shelly seem to sympathize in the "Mortal Immortal"?
2. What feminist issue(s) might be symbolized in the story
a. By the quest of Winzy for knowledge?
b. By the materialism of Bertha?
c. By Bertha's aging
d. By Bertha's meaness of spirit
e. By Winzy's being the narrator of the tale?

The Awakening
1. Chopin was influenced by realist writers, including regional and local color writers and by writers of the fantastic. Consider the settings she portrays in the chapters you've read and pick out places where they are realistic or natural and places where they seem to function as symbols. Notice Chopin's use of color.

2. Language is important in The Awakening. Find places where characters' speech or silence seems especially significant and suggest what that significance is in light of what you've read so far.

3. There are at least 3 awakenings for Edna in Chapters 1-10. In each, she is characterized as feeling or understanding something for the first time. See if you can find the descriptions in the text and comment on what is being awakened in Edna.

4. A foil is a minor character whose situation or actions parallel those of a major character, and thus by contrast sets off or illuminates the major character; most often the contrast is complimentary to the major character. Mme Ratignolle and Mlle Reisz are foils for Edna Pontellier. What aspects of her (or lacks in her) does each bring out. (Careful--they are very different.)

5. How are Robert and Edna alike and what might this indicate about their relationship; I.e. How do you think their relationship develops or does it?

6. What type of a man is Léonce Pontillier? What is his attitude towards his wife?