FEMALE ORATIONS BY MARGARET CAVENDISH
The first oration begins with “Ladies, gentlewomen, and other inferior women, but not less
worthy” and in the second one it begins with “Ladies, gentlewomen, and other inferior
women” which represents each of the personalities
I
The first speaker suggests that they should unite so that they can fight the injustices put
upon them. She says that men keep them divided in order to exert power unto them. She
characterizes women with animalistic qualities twice. In the final line she says they live in the
dark like owls, work like beasts and die like worms, a sign of putrefaction. Her tone is
provocative and assertive
II
She declares that she agrees with the previous woman, but that she had not given any
solutions (although gathering together had been proposed). She puts her down by being
sarcastic and exposing her jealousy. She accepts women’s incapacity at the hands of man.
III
This speaker praises men and is grateful for all they do for them. She is the most
conservative. She blames Nature for all the faults of women.
IV
She says they could prove to be equals of men if they were allowed to do what they do. She
states that women are as ignorant of themselves as men are of them, because they have
been indoctrinated and socially constructed.
V
This woman missed the previous point, by saying that they shouldn’t act like men because it
shall make them hermaphroditical. She invokes Nature as an immovable thing, although the
way we give meaning to it is another construction of human thinking. She has the same
opinion as the third woman.
THE AWAKENING BY KATE CHOPIN
1. Give an account of Mr. Pontellier's personality as evidenced in chapters I, III,
and XVII.
In chapters I, III, and XVII, Mr. Pontellier is portrayed as a conventional and somewhat
patriarchal husband of the late 19th century. In Chapter I, he appears to be more focused on
his work than his family, and he is shown as indifferent to his wife's needs and desires. In
Chapter III, he is depicted as annoyed with Edna's unconventional behavior and is critical of
her failure to conform to societal expectations. In Chapter XVII, he displays anger and
frustration when Edna begins to assert her independence, which highlights his controlling
and authoritarian personality.
, 2. Analyze the characterization of Adele Ratignolle and decide whether she is a
flat or a round character. Support your answer with textual evidence
throughout the novel. Pay special attention to Chapter IV. Which values does
she embody?
She is depicted as a devoted wife and mother in Chapter IV. Throughout the novel, she
embodies traditional Creole values of femininity, motherhood, and selflessness. She is the
embodiment of true womanhood. She serves as a foil to Edna's character, representing
the societal expectations placed on women during that era. She is not a flat character
because sometimes she pretends to be frail and the stereotypical perfect woman for her own
good. She takes initiative and protects Edna, warning Robert to stop his attentions.
She is also somewhat simple: when Edna reveals to Adèle that she would give up her
money and her life for her children but not herself, Adèle cannot understand what more one
could give than one’s own life. Edna’s understanding of an inner, autonomous spirit defies
the belief of the time that women were simply the property of their husbands, who served a
specific role as wives and mothers and devoted themselves solely to those around them at
their own expense. Later in the novel, it is apparent that Adèle still views a woman’s life in
terms of the service she performs for her family and society. When she suspects Edna of
having an affair with Alcée Arobin she reminds Edna of her duty to her children. Having just
given birth to another child, Adèle still represents the ideal Victorian woman, whereas Edna
ignores her responsibilities to husband and children, seeking freedom up until, or perhaps
even through, her death.
3. What does chapter V tell us about the personality of Robert Lebrun?
In Chapter V, Robert Lebrun is portrayed as charming, flirtatious, and attentive. He is seen
as someone who enjoys female companionship and is genuinely interested in Edna. This
chapter reveals his romantic interest in Edna, setting the stage for their complex relationship.
He is never seen as a threat, never taken seriously. The husbands even feel relief because
Robert devotes himself to their wives, meaning that they can now go to the bars and clubs
Although he remains away in Mexico for much of Edna’s awakening, Robert Lebrun plays an
invaluable role in its beginning and end. His flirtations, along with Adèle’s freedom of
expression, inspire Edna to forget her reserve and to begin revealing herself to others. For
several summers, Robert has devoted himself to women at Grand Isle, showering them with
affections rooted in admiration but lacking serious intent. Although notoriously ruled by his
passions and impulses, he nevertheless cannot forget the societal conventions that both
allow and limit his actions. Edna is swept away by Robert’s devotion. She sees in him a
promise of the love and excitement that have been missing from her life since she married
Léonce. Although he never consummates their relationship physically, Robert’s tender
treatment of Edna proves that his love for her extends beyond the superficial adoration he is
used to showing his female companions.
, 4. Chapter VI reveals important insights about Edna Pontellier. Identify them and
decide whether the narrator is subjective or objective.
In Chapter VI, the narrator provides objective insights into Edna Pontellier's personality. This
chapter shows Edna's growing awareness of her own desires and the limitations of her role
as a wife and mother. The narrator is mostly objective, presenting Edna's thoughts and
actions without overt judgment. This is the first instance of her awakening. She discovers
that she is not conformed about her life
5. Chapter VII describes the nature of Edna’s marriage to Leónce Pontellier.
Explain the relevance of this for the unfolding of the story. What do the first
three paragraphs of this chapter tell us about Edna Pontellier?
Chapter VII describes Edna's marriage to Leónce Pontellier as one marked by societal
expectations and routine. The first three paragraphs of this chapter tell us that Edna is
dissatisfied with her marriage and feels trapped in a role that stifles her individuality.
“MRS. PONTELLIER WAS NOT a woman given to confidences, a characteristic hitherto
contrary to her nature. Even as a child she had lived her own small life all within herself. At a
very early period she had apprehended instinctively the dual life—that outward existence
which conforms, the inward life which questions.”
“That summer at Grand Isle she began to loosen a little the mantle of reserve that had
always enveloped her. There may have been—there must have been—influences, both
subtle and apparent, working in their several ways to induce her to do this; but the most
obvious was the influence of Adele Ratignolle. The excessive physical charm of the Creole
had first attracted her, for Edna had a sensuous susceptibility to beauty. Then the candor of
the woman’s whole existence, which every one might read, and which formed so striking a
contrast to her own habitual reserve—this might have furnished a link. Who can tell what
metals the gods use in forging the subtle bond which we call sympathy, which we might as
well call love.”
“The two women went away one morning to the beach together, arm in arm, under the huge
white sunshade. Edna had prevailed upon Madame Ratignolle to leave the children behind,
though she could not induce her to relinquish a diminutive roll of needlework, which Adele
begged to be allowed to slip into the depths of her pocket. In some unaccountable way they
had escaped from Robert.”
6. Chapter VII: Why does Madame Ratignolle say “pauvre chérie” to Edna?
Explain why Madame Ratignolle asks Robert to “leave Edna alone” in chapter
VIII. Is this fact relevant to the story?
Madame Ratignolle says "pauvre chérie" to Edna in Chapter VII because she senses Edna's
unhappiness and sympathizes with her. In Chapter VIII, Madame Ratignolle asks Robert to
"leave Edna alone" because she perceives their growing emotional intimacy and is
concerned about Edna's well-being. This is relevant to the story as it foreshadows the
complications in Edna's life.
, 7. Chapter IX shows the character of Mademoiselle Reisz for the first time. How is
she described? What role will she play in Edna’s life? Do you think she
represents a type of woman of that time?
In Chapter IX, Mademoiselle Reisz is described as a talented pianist with an unconventional,
almost eccentric personality. She plays a crucial role in Edna's life as she becomes a
confidante and mentor to Edna, encouraging her to pursue her desires and independence.
Mademoiselle Reisz represents a type of woman of that time who defies societal norms in
pursuit of her art.
Mademoiselle Reisz is an unconventional and unpopular older woman who serves as an
inspiration to Edna throughout her gradual awakening. A small, homely woman,
Mademoiselle is distant and reserved in her interaction with the other guests on Grand Isle.
Although she is often called upon to entertain people at gatherings with her expert piano
playing, she realizes that Edna is the only one of the guests who is truly touched and moved
by the music. Mademoiselle Reisz seeks out Edna shortly after Robert’s departure to
Mexico, and her exchange with Edna by the shore fosters a relationship that continues upon
their return home to New Orleans. Edna is inexplicably drawn to the older woman, whose
lifestyle she envies, despite finding her disagreeable and difficult. In fact, neither Edna nor
Mademoiselle Reisz can claim to be particularly fond of the other, but Mademoiselle Reisz
understands Edna’s passions and enjoys the company and the opportunity to share her
thoughts on art and love.
8. Explain what we learn about Edna’s life and personality in chapter X.
In Chapter X, Edna discovers her true capability to swim, although she had been trying to
learn all summer. We learn that Edna is experiencing a growing sense of restlessness and
dissatisfaction with her domestic life. She starts to question her role as a wife and mother
and becomes more aware of her own desires and passions.
9. What is the most significant aspect we see about Edna Pontellier in chapter XI?
Her growing sense of independence and self-discovery. She begins to assert herself and
make choices that defy societal expectations, such as moving into her own house.
10. Chapter XVII marks the beginning of the second part as it is set in the city of
New Orleans. Analyze which are the most important things that happen in this
chapter.
In this chapter, Edna becomes more involved in the vibrant social scene of the city, and her
relationships with both Robert and Alcée Arobin become more complex. It sets the stage for
further exploration of Edna's awakening and her pursuit of personal freedom.
11. Explain the relevance of the dialogue between Mr. Pontellier and Edna
Pontellier in Chapter XIX.
The dialogue between Mr. Pontellier and Edna in Chapter XIX is relevant as it highlights the
growing rift in their marriage. Mr. Pontellier tries to assert his authority, but Edna resists his
control, signaling her determination to live life on her own terms. She refuses to have sex
with him and assert her wifely duties, which angers him and is the main problem