Question

The youngster was in his long white nightgown, that kept tripping him up as Madame Ratignolle led him along by the hand. With the other chubby fist he rubbed his eyes, which were heavy with sleep and ill humor. Edna took him in her arms, and seating herself in the rocker, began to coddle and caress him, calling him all manner of tender names, soothing him to sleep.—The Awakening, Kate Chopin

What does this passage reveal about Edna?

a. She is not used to caring for her children.

b. She cares about her children.

c. She would rather not be taking care of children.

d. She does not know how to be affectionate to children.

Answer 1

The passage indicates that Edna is caring and affectionate toward her child, as she comforts him to sleep with soothing actions and tender words.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage provided from Kate Chopin's The Awakening reveals a nurturing side of Edna, the protagonist of the novel. In the selected text, Chopin describes how Edna takes her sleepy and irritable child in her arms, seats herself in a rocker, and begins to soothe him to sleep with tender names and caresses. This image is an indication that Edna does care for her children, as it shows her comforting and attending to the needs of her child.