Are you searching for the perfect guide to teaching The Awakening by Kate Chopin? Scroll on through and I think you’ll find that this comprehensive Awakening teaching resources post is going to become your all-in-one solution! You can bring this classic novel to life in your 11th or 12th grade ELA or AP Literature classroom with minimal prep! Use the ideas & materials here to boost student engagement through thought-provoking discussions, relatable themes, and standards-aligned activities that make Edna Pontellier’s journey resonate with modern teens.
My 13 years of teaching AP Lit and English 11 have shown me that students love debating Edna’s choices (Is her rebellion is tragic or triumphant? & More…) and this unit makes those conversations & discoveries unforgettable for both you and the kids!
This blog post is here to give you a chapter-by-chapter breakdown, free resources, and practical strategies that’ll save you time while still ensuring your students will be challenged and engaged through deep literary analysis. From symbolism to gender roles, you’ll find everything you need to teach The Awakening with confidence right here! Grab the full The Awakening Novel Unit Bundle on TPT for no-prep lessons, reading/discussion questions, ,quizzes, essays, and more. Here’s what you will get:
- Save Time: Print-and-go materials with full answer keys!
- Flexibility: Everything is digital & print ready and fully editable!
- Engage Modern Students: Relatable themes like identity and societal pressure spark lively debates and reel in today’s teens.
- Meet Standards: Aligned with Common Core RL.1-6, W.1, and SL.1 for AP Lit and ELA.
- Differentiate Easily: Scaffolded essays and activities designed to be accessible and approrpriately challenging for learners of differing readiness.
Are you ready to make The Awakening your class’s favorite unit? Download the full bundle now and take this classic text from “eh…” to “Awesome!”
Need a Scene-Setter? Use This!
Imagine stepping into the sultry, sun-drenched world of a summer in late 1800s New Orleans, where the air hums with the rhythm of the Gulf’s enchanting waves and the chatter of a vacationing Creole society. You’re on Grand Isle, a vibrant summer retreat, where Edna Pontellier, a young wife and mother, feels the first stirrings of unrest within her heart. A caged parrot squawks in the background, longing to be wild and free, mirroring Edna’s own struggle against the rigid roles of wife and mother. The sea seems to beckon, its endless expanse whispering promises of freedom and rebirth, yet the weight of Victorian expectations (embodied by Edna’s motherly friend Adèle Ratignolle and the solitary Mademoiselle Reisz) pulls at Edna’s heart, reminding her that she must choose between duty and desire.
As Edna navigates her newfound awakening, she grapples with living in a society that demands she be a “mother-woman,” selfless and devoted, while her inner self yearns for independence and a life of passion and being true to herself. Her interactions with Robert Lebrun, a charming & handsome young man, make her realize that what she really wants may not be what she currently has, and the lush, sensory, & mysterious world of Grand Isle, filled with music, moonlight, and the scent of magnolias, amplifies her longing feelings. However, back in New Orleans, the constraints of her marriage to Léonce and the expectations of motherhood are waiting to tighten around her like a corset, pushing her toward a life-changing choice.
This novel speaks to the readers of today because it’s about breaking free from what others expect you to be. Edna’s rebellion against societal norms relates to modern struggles with identity, gender roles, and even the social pressures embedded within social media & our digital lives. Students will connect with Edna’s quest for authenticity, & they’ll debate tons as they make their way through the novel, especially whether her choices are selfish or courageous! With so much to discover and discuss, The Awakening really is the perfect choice for a novel study about exploring personal autonomy and the cost of defying convention!
Teaching Guide
Overarching Elements
Major Themes
These themes, printable as anchor charts, will help YOU set the stage for your The Awakening unit and spark deep discussions throughout the month:
- Identity: Edna’s struggle to define herself beyond “wife” and “mother” highlights the tension between inner desires and societal roles.
- Societal Expectations: Victorian norms demand women prioritize family over personal fulfillment; consider how the novel critiques rigid gender roles.
- Personal Liberation: Edna’s pursuit of independence reflects the universal quest for self-actualization.
- Motherhood: The novel contrasts Edna’s ambivalence with Adèle’s contentment, exploring society’s expectations for mothers.
- Freedom vs. Constraint: Symbols like the sea and the caged parrot underscore the conflict between liberation and societal confinement.
- Gender Dynamics: The novel critiques men’s roles in upholding certain norms for women, from Léonce’s control to Robert’s romantic idealism.
Key Literary Devices
These devices (also great printed out as anchor charts!) will help deepen student analysis & get them thinking about RL standards all throughout the unit:
- Symbolism: The sea, caged parrot, and pigeon-house represent freedom, oppression, and partial liberation, respectively, among other symbols in the text.
- Foils: Adèle and Mademoiselle Reisz contrast with Edna, highlighting different paths for women.
- Imagery: Vivid descriptions of the Gulf and certain key scenes in New Orleans evoke Edna’s emotional and sensual awakening.
- Stream of Consciousness: Edna’s inner thoughts reveal her psychological evolution and conflict.
- Motif: Recurring images like the sea and birds reinforce themes of escape and confinement.
- Irony: The novel’s ending juxtaposes Edna’s quest for freedom with her ultimate fate, inviting debate. (You may wish to leave this off your anchor chart and address it when you come to the end, so as not to “spoil” things for the students! Note that some kids always read the end first, so you MIGHT want to think about how you will handle “spoilers.” I show them research about how spoilers often actually ENHANCE our enjoyment of a film or a text, as we anticipate what’s coming and are able to think through how what we’re reading is leading up to what we know the end will be…)
Chapter-by-Chapter Breakdown
Chapters 1-5
Key Points
- Edna Pontellier, a 28-year-old Creole wife, feels unfulfilled in her marriage to Léonce, a wealthy businessman.
- Robert Lebrun, a charming young man, begins a flirtatious friendship with Edna on Grand Isle.
- Adèle Ratignolle embodies the ideal “mother-woman,” contrasting with Edna’s growing restlessness.
- The caged parrot and mockingbird introduce themes of confinement and societal expectations.
Critical Moments
- Léonce’s criticism of Edna’s sunburn reveals his controlling nature, setting up their marital conflict.
- Edna’s tears in Chapter 3 mark the beginning of her emotional awakening, as she questions her role.
Literary Devices
- Symbolism: The caged parrot symbolizes Edna’s trapped state within Victorian society.
- Foil: Adèle’s contentment as a mother contrasts with Edna’s dissatisfaction, highlighting Edna’s rebellion in an interesting way.
Themes
- Identity: Edna begins to recognize her inner self, which she begins to see as distinct from her roles as wife and mother.
- Societal Expectations: Léonce’s expectations and Adèle’s conformity (note that she is perfectly happy to conform and is well suited to her role; she is not being forced into this) underscore the pressure on Edna.
Discussion Questions
- How does the caged parrot symbolize Edna’s situation, and how might students relate this to modern pressures like social media expectations or peer pressure?
- Compare Edna’s interactions with Léonce and Robert. What do they reveal about her desire for independence?
- Why does Edna cry in Chapter 3, and how might this moment connect to the struggle with identity or finding oneself that many people experience as teens or young adults?
Activity Suggestion
- Symbolism Sketch: Students draw the caged parrot or the mockingbird and annotate their drawing with 1 key quote; then, include a paragraph explaining how their bird of choice represents something important.
- Implementation: You may want to print out “tracing templates” of both a parrot and a mockingbird; some kids will be held up by their not-so-hot drawing skills. Then, instruct students in how to cite their quote, and help them (as necessary) as they craft a paragraph connecting the symbol to Edna’s life/themes emerging in the text.
- Objective: Analyze symbolism and connect it to themes of constraint (RL.4).
The Awakening Chapter Questions Preview (Chapters 1-4)
Key Features:
- 20 thought-provoking questions for Chapters 1-4, covering plot, symbolism, and themes.
- Printable as study guides or task cards (CUT IN STRIPS) for flexible use.
- Full answer key included for quick grading or to guide class discussion/go over answers.
- Save hours of prep with ready-to-use questions that spark deep discussions and align with AP Lit standards & ELA RL. 1-6 standards 🙂
- Perfect for 11th-12th grade ELA and AP Literature classrooms.
- Many American Lit classes teach this text; in fact, it’s one of the most popular choices for high school texts of the last 50 years!
Chapters 6-8
Key Points
- Edna’s fascination with the sea signals her desire for freedom and rebirth.
- Her friendship with Adèle deepens, revealing Edna’s “dual life” of inner desires vs. outer conformity.
- Robert’s flirtation with Edna intensifies, hinting at romantic tension.
- Adèle warns Robert to avoid inappropriate behavior with Edna, reflecting Creole norms. (It’s okay to flirt, but it’s not okay to actually cheat!)
Critical Moments
- Edna’s childhood memory of walking through a meadow (Chapter 7) symbolizes her longing for freedom.
- The sea’s description as a “seductive” force is a moment that marks Edna’s awakening to her desires.
Literary Devices
- Imagery: The Gulf’s “soft, close embrace” (Chapter 6) evokes Edna’s sensual awakening.
- Motif: The sea recurs as a symbol of escape and possibility, contrasting with societal constraints.
Themes
- Personal Liberation: Edna’s connection to the sea reflects her yearning for autonomy.
- Gender Dynamics: Adèle’s warning to Robert highlights societal control over relationships & choices and what men and women are allowed to do.
Discussion Questions
- How does the sea’s imagery reflect Edna’s inner transformation, and how might this connect to the common human desire to break free from expectations?
- Why does Adèle warn Robert about his behavior? What does this reveal about Creole society’s view of women?
- How does Edna’s childhood meadow memory relate to her current feelings? Can students connect to Edna’s feelings in any way when it comes to comparing their current lives to childhood memories or when it comes to moments of self-discovery or realization?
Activity Suggestion
- Imagery-Heavy Journal: Students write a journal entry as Edna, describing the sea and what it means to her, using sensory details and attempting to bring out something they think the sea symbolizes for Edna.
- Implementation: Provide directions and 10 minutes for writing, followed by a class share-out; students can share with a partner and then 2-3 volunteers can have time to share to the whole class, if they want.
- Objective: Analyze imagery and symbolism, and connect both to themes of freedom (RL.4, W.3).
Chapters 9-14
Key Points
- Mademoiselle Reisz, an independent older woman & excellent pianist, inspires Edna with her passion for art/expression/being herself.
- Edna learns to swim, symbolizing her newfound strength and independence.
- Robert and Edna’s day at Madame Antoine’s fosters a romantic, idyllic connection.
- Robert’s sudden departure to Mexico shocks Edna, deepening her emotional turmoil.
Critical Moments
- Edna’s emotional reaction to Mademoiselle Reisz’s music (Chapter 9) marks another key moment of awakening.
- Her swimming breakthrough (Chapter 10) represents empowerment and self-discovery.
Literary Devices
- Symbolism: Swimming symbolizes Edna’s physical and emotional liberation.
- Foil: Mademoiselle Reisz’s independence contrasts with Adèle’s conformity, influencing Edna & making her think…
Themes
- Freedom: Swimming and music awaken Edna to possibilities beyond her domestic role.
- Identity: Edna’s growing connection to art and Robert reflects her evolving sense of self & what she wants.
Discussion Questions
- How does Edna’s reaction to Mademoiselle Reisz’s music reflect her awakening, and how might students relate this moment in the text to their own experiences of music that moves them?
- What does swimming symbolize for Edna, and how can this connect to our own experiences of gaining confidence via learning or acheiving something new?
- Why does Robert leave for Mexico? Does he fear commitment? Does he fear social judgment? Are these common fears for people today, or are they less common than in the late 1800s?
Activity Suggestion
- Symbolism Debate: Students debate whether swimming represents empowerment or recklessness. Ask them whether they think this part is supposed to make us think that Edna is being reckless & worry about her, or whether it is supposed to make us feel elated at her empowerment. Tell them they MUST lean one way or the other, and ask them to find textual evidence to support their side of the argument.
- Implementation: Divide class into two groups; provide 15 minutes to prepare arguments with their team & find quotes and then 15 minutes for a whole-class debate.
- Objective: Analyze symbolism and practice argumentation (SL.1, RL.1 & 4).
The Awakening: Intro, Study Guide, & Essays
Key Features:
- 179 chapter questions across 39 chapters, with a 24-page answer key.
- 6 essay prompts, including a scaffolded symbolism essay for differentiation.
- 4-page context reading with 6 post-reading questions.
- Guided Notes pages
- Teacher Notes
- This no-prep 1/2 bundle (doesn’t include quizzes) saves weeks of planning while ensuring rigorous, engaging lessons that make The Awakening unforgettable.
- Designed for AP Literature and 11th-12th grade ELA.
Chapters 15-19
Key Points
- Edna’s devastation at Robert’s departure reveals her growing attachment to him.
- Back in New Orleans, Edna rejects social duties, like receiving callers & caring about what’s for supper, angering Léonce.
- Edna’s painting becomes a way for her to exercise her self-expression and independence.
- Her conflict with Léonce escalates as she prioritizes what SHE wants…
Critical Moments
- Edna’s refusal to receive callers (Chapter 17) is a strong example of her newfound defiance of societal norms.
- Her painting (Chapter 19) symbolizes her quest for an identity beyond her domestic roles as a wife and mother.
Literary Devices
- Symbolism: The wedding ring Edna removes (Chapter 17) represents her rejection of marriage’s constraints: she will no longer be doing what Léonce tells her to do.
- Irony: Léonce’s concern for appearances contrasts with Edna’s pursuit of authenticity.
Themes
- Personal Liberation: Edna’s painting and refusal of social duties reflect her growing autonomy.
- Societal Expectations: Léonce’s reaction highlights the rigidity of Victorian gender roles.
Discussion Questions
- How does Edna’s refusal to receive callers reflect her rebellion, and how might this connect to modern times? In what ways do modern people defy society’s expectations?
- What does Edna’s painting symbolize, and how can students relate this to finding their own creative outlets? How do our creative outlets help us be more authentic & find ourselves?
- Why does Léonce prioritize appearances, and how does this compare to today’s social pressures? Is he wrong to care about appearances? How does the modern world encourage people to care about appearances?
Activity Suggestion
- Character Journal: Students write as Edna, reflecting on why she paints and what it means to her identity.
- Implementation: Provide a prompt based on the idea above, and give students 15 minutes for writing; share in small groups or submit for teacher review.
- Objective: Analyze character development and themes of identity (W.3, RL.3).
Chapters 20-22
Key Points
- Edna visits Mademoiselle Reisz, whose independence inspires her further but also leaves her with much to ponder.
- Robert’s letters to Mademoiselle Reisz, not Edna, deepen her feelings of longing and despondency.
- Léonce consults Dr. Mandelet, worried about Edna’s behavior.
- Edna’s Kentucky upbringing is explored, highlighting her outsider status in Creole society.
Critical Moments
- Mademoiselle Reisz’s apartment as a symbol of freedom (Chapter 21); this visit inspires Edna.
- Dr. Mandelet’s insight into Edna’s dissatisfaction (Chapter 22) shows his understanding of her struggle. Note that he is a man who truly “gets it.” Could he be a foil to the other key men in the text? How?
Literary Devices
- Symbolism: Mademoiselle Reisz’s apartment represents a space free from societal constraints.
- Stream of Consciousness: Edna’s reaction to Robert’s letters reveals her emotional turmoil.
Themes
- Freedom: Mademoiselle Reisz’s lifestyle offers Edna a vision of independence.
- Identity: Edna’s outsider status (she grew up in Kentucky with Protestant parents) underscores her struggle to fit into Creole norms (the people she’s around have French roots & are Roman Catholic).
Discussion Questions
- How does Mademoiselle Reisz’s apartment reflect her independence, and how might students relate this idea in the text to what they know about creating their own “spaces,” like decorating one’s room or one’s locker/car/etc.?
- Why does Edna feel despondent about Robert’s letters, and is this something modern readers can relate to? What other stories do we know that feature characters worrying that their feelings are not returned?
- Does Dr. Mandelet understand Edna better than Léonce does? Is there always somebody out there who could understand you, even if it seems like nobody does? What do you think?
Activity Suggestion
- Foil Analysis: Students create a Venn diagram comparing & contrasting Edna and Mademoiselle Reisz, focusing on independence and societal roles. You could also include other foils, like Edna and Adèle or Robert & Léonce.
- Implementation: Provide a template (find a blank Venn Diagram printable online); students work in pairs for 15 minutes, then discuss with the whole class.
- Objective: Analyze character foils and themes of freedom (RL.2 & 3, SL.1).
Chapters 23-27
Key Points
- Edna’s dinner party showcases her growing sensuality and confidence.
- Alcée Arobin’s flirtations introduce a new romantic temptation for Edna.
- Edna plans to move into the “pigeon-house,” seeking independence.
- Mademoiselle Reisz warns Edna about the strength needed to defy convention.
Critical Moments
- The dinner party’s lush imagery (Chapter 30) reflects Edna’s awakened passions.
- Mademoiselle Reisz’s metaphor of the bird with “strong wings” (Chapter 27) foreshadows Edna’s fate.
Literary Devices
- Imagery: The dinner party’s vivid colors and textures mirror Edna’s newfound sensuality.
- Symbolism: The “pigeon-house” represents partial freedom; Edna is breaking away, but in some ways she is still tethered to societal constraints.
Themes
- Personal Liberation: Edna’s move to the pigeon-house symbolizes her pursuit of autonomy.
- Gender Dynamics: Arobin’s seduction contrasts with Robert’s restraint, highlighting different male roles or even familiar male archetypes…
Discussion Questions
- How does the dinner party’s imagery reflect Edna’s awakening? What images connect to sensuality or the enjoyment of the 5 senses?
- What does the “pigeon-house” symbolize? Does this relate to teens seeking independence while still tied to family expectations/needing their family for some things?
- Why does Mademoiselle Reisz warn Edna about how someone would need “strong wings,” and how does this connect to modern times? Is it still challenging to defy social norms? Is it more or less challenging than back then? The same? Why?
Activity Suggestion
- Symbolism Collage: Students create a digital or paper collage with images that are significant to the pigeon-house OR Edna’s party, annotating their work with quotes that help show what their chosen symbol is all about; connect to key themes with commentary (at least 1 paragraph!)
- Implementation: Use Canva or paper; provide students with supplies needed; review how to cite quotations!
- Objective: Analyze symbolism and connect to themes of freedom (RL.2 & 4, W.2).
Chapters 28-33
Key Points
- Edna’s kiss with Arobin awakens her sensuality but leaves her feeling conflicted.
- Her move to the pigeon-house marks a bold step toward independence.
- Robert’s return rekindles their romance, but he struggles with her defiance of norms.
- Adèle criticizes Edna’s choices, urging her to consider her children.
Critical Moments
- Edna’s crying after kissing Arobin (Chapter 28) reveals her internal conflict.
- Robert’s discomfort with Edna’s independence (Chapter 33) highlights their differing views on life, morality, and gender roles/marriage.
Literary Devices
- Symbolism: The pigeon-house symbolizes Edna’s partial escape from societal roles.
- Stream of Consciousness: Edna’s conflicting emotions after Arobin’s kiss reveal her psychological complexity.
Themes
- Identity: Edna’s move to the pigeon-house reflects her assertion of her independent & authentic self.
- Motherhood: Adèle’s criticism underscores the societal pressure on mothers; is she right though? Just because there is social pressure doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a point or isn’t morally correct. Is her criticism right, wrong, or is there another way for us to view this? (There’s no right or wrong answer here; allow differing opinions.)
Discussion Questions
- Why does Edna cry after kissing Arobin? Is it relatable to have conflicting desires? Is Edna confused? Upset? Guilty? Something else?
- How does the pigeon-house symbolize Edna’s journey, and is Edna’s move similar to moving out to go to college or get an apartment? Is it similar to getting one’s driver’s licence? In what way is her move maybe relatable to modern readers?
- Why does Adèle urge Edna to think of her children, and how does this connect to modern debates about balancing one’s personal goals with one’s family duties?
Activity Suggestion
- Inner vs. Outer Self Letter: Students write a letter from Edna to Adèle, explaining her need for independence while also addressing her role as a mother in a fair and mature way. Try to convey what you think Edna is thinking and feeling about what her friend said to her.
- Implementation: Provide the prompt; students write for 15 minutes and share their ideas in pairs. You can tell them they don’t have to read their whole letter to their buddy, but they should share their main points or what they think Edna was thinking or what she would want to express to her friend.
- Objective: Analyze character conflict and themes of identity (W.3, RL.2 & 3).
Chapters 34-39
Key Points
- Edna and Robert’s reunion reveals their mutual love but also reveals their differing views on marriage/relationships/life.
- The scene where Adèle gives birth forces Edna to confront her own maternal responsibilities.
- Edna’s final swim into the sea symbolizes SOMETHING. Is it her ultimate act of freedom or a symbol of her defeat?
- The novel’s ambiguous ending invites debate about Edna’s strength and choices. Is she a strong or a weak person, in the end? Were her choices in the novel right or wrong? Which were the most right? Which were the most wrong? (Accept differing opinions and interpretations.)
Critical Moments
- Edna’s declaration, “I give myself where I choose” (Chapter 36), asserts her autonomy.
- Her final swim (Chapter 39) and the “bird with a broken wing” imagery conclude her journey. Ask students what they think this ending means?
Literary Devices
- Symbolism: The sea represents freedom, rebirth, and escape, and this symbol is the place where the story ends. It’s worth asking “why?”
- Foreshadowing: The “bird with a broken wing” foreshadows Edna’s tragic end.
Themes
- Personal Liberation: Edna’s final swim reflects her pursuit of freedom, however ambiguous it may be. Does she achieve freedom? Is the ending a tragedy? Was she unable to achieve freedom? What is the novel saying?
- Motherhood: Adèle’s childbirth and her plea to her friend to “think of the children” highlight Edna’s own internal conflict.
Discussion Questions
- How does Edna’s declaration of independence in Chapter 36 reflect her growth from the start of the novel until now? Are there ways that you have asserted your own identity?
- What does the “bird with a broken wing” symbolize, and is this related to struggle, failure, resillience, or something else? What do you think this is all about?
- Is Edna’s final swim a triumph or a tragedy? How does this ending connect to modern-day discussions about mental health and autonomy?
Activity Suggestion
- Ending Debate: Students debate whether Edna’s final swim is a triumph or tragedy, using textual evidence and their own ideas/analysis/modern connections.
- Implementation: Divide class into two groups; provide 15 minutes for prep and 20 for debate.
- Objective: Analyze theme and ambiguity, practice argumentation (RL.1 & 2, SL.1).
The Awakening, 3 Quizzes
Key Features:
- 3 reading quizzes (30 questions total) for Chapters 1-14, 15-29, and 30-39, with rubrics & an answer key!
- Hold students accountable for their reading with fun quizzes that deepen their understanding of the text & engage them WHILE assessing their understanding!
- Ideal for AP Literature and 11th-12th grade ELA.
Resources for Teaching The Awakening
Essay Prompts & Assessment Ideas
The full unit includes 6 essay prompts that align with AP Literature standards (RL.1-6, W.1) and offer both timed writing and extended essay options.
Sample prompts for inspiration:
- Analyze how Chopin uses the contrast between Edna’s inner and outer selves to explore the theme of identity. Use specific textual evidence. (Timed writing, 40 minutes)
- Does Chopin portray Edna as strong or weak? Argue whether her final choice is an act of courage or defeat, focusing on her development and the novel’s ending. (Extended essay)
- For more prompts and detailed directions, grab the 1/2 unit with the essay assignment on TPT.
Final Creative Project Options
These projects are great because they allow you to meet the needs of diverse learners and provide them with opportunities to both be creative and dig deep with their analysis!
- Modern Adaptation: Students rewrite a scene from The Awakening set in 2025, exploring how Edna’s rebellion would look today (e.g., social media pressures, peer pressure, modern gender expectations, etc.).
- Symbolism Presentation: Students create a multimedia presentation analyzing three symbols (e.g., sea, birds, pigeon-house) and explaining their thematic significance. Work in small groups; use PowerPoint or Canva!
- Character Diary: Students write a series of diary entries from either Edna, Adèle, or Mademoiselle Reisz, reflecting on 3 key events and 3 key themes of the story. Title the entries with a short description of the time/event in the novel to which the entry is a response.
- Historical Context Research: Students research the “New Woman” & “Decadent Woman” ideas from the fin de siecle and present how those ideas of the time appear within the novel.
- Debate Podcast: Students record a podcast debating whether Edna’s choices are selfish or liberating, using textual evidence. Work in groups of 2-3. The recording should be 10-15 minutes in length.
- Free Body Biography Final Project: Download a printable body biography assignment page with links to a video of sample projects.
Popular Extension Activities and Related Texts for Teaching The Awakening
- Related Texts:
- Poems: “Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou, “The Soul Selects Her Own Society” by Emily Dickinson
- Short Stories: “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin, “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Plays: A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen
- Historical Context Readings: Search for primary sources on the “New Woman” movement, Victorian gender roles, and/or Creole culture in 1890s New Orleans. Links are always changing, so it’s best to do your own search to see if you can find cool videos, articles, or webquests related to these topics!
- Debate Topics:
- Is Edna’s final swim a triumph of freedom or a tragic defeat?
- Should people prioritize personal fulfillment over family responsibilities, as Edna does in the text? Why or why not?
Free Bonus Content
Get started with these free The Awakening teaching resources!
- Free Chapters 1-4 Reading Questions Preview: 20 thought-provoking questions to kick off your unit, perfect for discussion or homework.
- Free Body Biography Final Project: Download a printable body biography assignment page with links to a video of sample projects.
- My DEEP DIVE Teacher Post on Teaching The Awakening: A free guide for teachers with TONS of links to helpful materials! Read this to become that rockstar/guru teacher who is SO knowledgable & prepared for this unit!!
You’re Going to Love Teaching This Novel!
Teaching The Awakening really can be a super rewarding journey for your classroom. With a focus on bringing Kate Chopin’s timeless exploration of identity, freedom, and gender roles to life for your students, you’ll catch their attention, get them thinking & debating, and give them a memorable 3-4 week unit & one more classic text under their belts!
With this comprehensive guide and the full The Awakening Novel Unit Bundle, you’ll save hours of prep while sparking passionate debates amongst your students and encouraging deep, meaningful RL. 1-6 literary analysis.
My 13 years of teaching AP Lit and English 11 have shown me that with the right unit materials, our modern students CAN enjoy this text! My students love connecting Edna’s struggle to their own lives & modern issues, whether it’s defying societal norms or finding your true self! Make this unit a highlight of your year with no-prep, standards-aligned resources that make The Awakening unforgettable!
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