Required Readings:

The Awakening and all associated readings I have assigned.

Previously assigned readings in Meyer on critical strategy 

Helpful Information: The Elements of Fiction as assigned in our short story unit.

Chapter 45: "Critical Strategies for Reading"
Chapter 46: "Reading and Writing"

Essay assignment  (Choose one):

Choice One:

The novel's title refers to an awakening, but it can be argued that Edna actually experiences a series of awakenings.  Trace the stages of Edna's awakening throughout the novel, referring to specific passages, and analyzing them in terms of the small or more significant awakenings they represent for her.  An appropriate general focus (anchor) for your essay would be to establish the nature of these awakenings (what is she waking from and to).

Choice Two:

The novel includes several minor female characters that act as "foils" for Edna.  These include Mariequita, Mdme. Reisz, Adele Ratagniolle and Mrs. Highcamp.  Review the role/purpose of the foil character.  Explain how each of these women is a foil to Edna and how the characters help readers to better understand Edna.  Refer to specific scenes/conversations in the novel.

Focus your analysis strictly on the novel.  If any research you have done (through the  factors into this essay, it should be solely as support for a thesis you develop, and should not be the source of your thesis.  Also, limit that support to one or two brief quotes only, and, of course, you must cite all sources.  Use author name and page numbers to cite. 

Choice Three: 

Look  at The Awakening through the lens of  The Seneca Falls Declaration, and analyze the character of Edna as a woman facing the social and legal restrictions of this era.  The contemporary reviews the novel received at the time of its publication (most written by men) may also shed some light on this topic.  (These are referred to as "contemporary reviews.") Both readings were assigned for Week 14 and are linked at the Chopin Links page.  

Organization:

Your essay should reflect what you already know about essay organization, and, therefore should exhibit the following:

• an interesting introduction that includes a highly focused thesis statement

• body paragraphs that have topic sentences and that support the thesis with specific details and BRIEF quotes from the novel.

• an interesting conclusion

• parenthetical references and a works cited page (for citations from the novel and the limited research you use)

Due Dates and Length:

Friday, May 12 by 10 PM: Final Draft 1500-2000 words

Packet Requirements

Submit via email (copy and paste) and the digital drop box (attachment).  Include these clearly marked documents:
Final Draft and Works Cited Page
Peer Review Record