The Awakening Assignment

Using a feminist, Marxist, post-colonialist, and at least one other lit theory lens, examine the roles of wife, mother, and woman within the patriarchal society in The Awakening. Contrast with the roles of husband, father, and man. Are the institutions of marriage and motherhood the oppressive barriers that prevent women from self-actualizing? Are they the means for men to possess or own women? Or, do they endow women and men with opportunity? How do you account for adultery – what does it represent philosophically? Answer questions through the characters in the book. Breakdown the many expectations set for both women and men and analyze relevance as part of your answer.

Prepare Socratic seminar notes, which will be collected, for your response. Notes are due on Monday, May 22nd, and the seminar will begin.

1. Edna

2. Mr. P

3. Madame R.

3. Monsieur R.

4. Mariequita

4. Madame Lebrun

5. Robert Lebrun

4. Madame Reisz

6. Alcée Arobin

7. Edna’s Father

7. Doctor Mandelet

7. Mrs. Highcamp