1. What features make The Awakening a “local colour” story?
There are many characteristics that can be picked out that really show that this story is one of “local colour”. Some of these include the dialogue and the town’s image itself. The dialogue was altered in a way that it appeared different than what normal, informative text on a document may look like, and the town was given such character. It even showed the time period being of one when women usually weren’t allowed to have much say in anything, other than general order of household chores.
2. What customs and beliefs of Edna Pontellier’s society are significant in relation to her psychological development?
In this time period and place especially, a woman living in New Orleans is thought of as obedient to the domestic rules and lifestyles set upon her by society. Similar to many women who often do not voice their thoughts, Edna isn’t happy with this. She feels weighted down with these so called duties, and she feels restricted with her life and her marriage.
3. What attitudes and tendencies in the Creole characters does Edna have trouble adjusting to?
One of the biggest things she finds difficult to grasp is putting the needs of others, specifically her husband and her children, in front of her own. This is not completely foreign to her, but it certainly is strange. She also finds it hard to understand the attitudes of the women around her. They were much more dignified persons than she was used to being around.
4. Why did Edna marry Leonce? Is he the model husband?
Edna loved Leonce for his constant devotion to anything and everything. On top of that, there was the fact that by loving him, Edna would spite the rest of her family, who would not approve. Even though she was technically with another man, Leonce was the one who actually paid her any attention. Perhaps he was a good husband, I really can’t tell. My idea of a good spouse is very different from