Despair

Edna gives in to despair; she loses hope in herself and those around her. Write about a time when you have lost hope, or when you have given in to despair. What happened? What did it feel like? How did you get past that time?

a house or a home?

In The Awakening, Edna moves into her own house; she leaves her house where she lived with Leonce to live on her own. There are many reasons why she does this, but a key concept is the difference between a house and a home. Edna did not feel at home in her house with Leonce.
Write about where you live; is it more of a house, or a home? Why?

Music

Edna is particularly drawn to certain pieces of music; they move her and create visual images. Write about a song/piece of music that is particularly meaningful for you. What is the song, who is it by, and why is it so special? What images/emotions does it create for you? Why is it significant? Etc.

Symbolism

There are many important symbols in The Awakening - the sea, Edna's ring, etc. Write about something in your life that is symbolic.

For example: Theo has a stuffed animal frog named Ferdinand; Ferdinand has a velvety soft blanket part to him, and Theo loves to rub his face with Ferdinand to help comfort him as he falls asleep. Ferdinand represents comfort and safety, and something to help soothe Theo.

Summertime

The Awakening begins at a summer resort on an island off the coast of New Orleans. Here, Edna develops a relationship with Robert. I'd like you to write about an experience during a summertime that was meaningful to you. Focus more on describing the event and your feelings about it, rather than telling a complete story.