The Awakening Lesson Plan

Why do you think Edna is initially unwilling to be left alone with Arobin after her first intimate encounter with him in Chapter XXXIX?

Student answers to this question could vary widely and it could expand to a larger discussion of Edna's lack of understanding of her own feelings. After she sleeps with Arobin, Edna feels confused, guilty, and sad. However, the strongest feeling in her heart is a sense that she has betrayed her true, profound feelings for Robert. It is therefore understandable that Edna wants to avoid being alone with Arobin again, to avoid bringing up these same unpleasant feelings. She thinks that she should be more faithful to her love for Robert...