1. Why are so many husbands and fathers present at Grand Isle?
2. Mademoiselle Reisz is introduced as a character. Why? How does she contribute to the story?
3. What adjectives might we use to describe her role in society?
4. In the past, what image has been evoked in Edna’s mind by a certain musical passage? How is this a contrast to Edna’s life up to this point?
5. What is Edna’s response to the music of Mademoiselle Reisz? How is this related to the “awakening” theme in the novel?
6. What mythical or literary allusions are referenced? Why?
7. How do “those others” view Mlle. Reisz? Why does she only notice Edna?

Kate Chopin; The Awakening; Chapter 9