Week 6

The Awakening Kate Chopin

The French were not alone in their restrictions on women's lives in the 19th century, but fortunately, one courageous woman uses French New Orleans as the setting to daringly show the effects of the French social strictures on a young matron who discovers the limitations of her world.

The Awakening by Kate Chopin (1851-1904) was considered by some critics to be scandalous, yet others decided that the work is a fascinating character study of a woman far ahead of her time, who struggles against invisible barriers and reject the rigid role expected of her by their social system. Perhaps the novel transcends feminism to reveal society, its weaknesses, and the tragedy of people trying "to fly with clipped wings."

We, as readers, need to go beyond simple definitions of morality to a consideration of the psychology of the characters, the mores of the society, and the effects of time amd place. Along the way, you may discover that determining guilt is a complex process and that sinners are not obvious. Also because a person errs in actions does not necessarily mean that society is infallible.

Continue to work diligently and always smile....I always notice. Have a good week!

Here are your assignments/Agenda for Week 6:

Week 6 MS Word

Week 6 pdf

If you have questions about these assignments, please leave a comment or email me directly. Remember, I will check the blog until 9:59 pm. You know I need my Seinfeld fix.