English 201.007
Final Exam
Fall, 2004
Dr. Stewart

After looking through your notes and questions, I identified some things that many groups had in common. Thus, I combined them to create the following test. You'll only be answering the following question on your final. You are welcome to bring in a half a sheet of paper with notes on one side only. Use this for prompts and quotations (quotations required) that will help you prove your point.

The Question:

The Awakening--a shift in consciousness--is not only the title of Kate Chopin's novella, it is also a major component of Edna's personality, of her "nature," of her desires, and of women's place and role in this society at the end of the 19th century. Explain Edna's various kinds of awakenings in relationship to the expectations her culture establishes regarding her role as a mother, as a wife, and as a woman, and her various responses. That is, consider what actions she takes to subvert these expectations. What is her ultimate response? Discuss how this could be considered a "final awakening" and how it could be considered an utter failure on her part. In other words, discuss the irony of the ending.

Hint: Reread chapters 6, 10, and 39.