The Awakening Lesson Plan

In "A Respectable Woman," what do you think it is about Gouvernail that initially makes Mrs. Baroda unsure about having him stay?

Student answers to this question may vary as Mrs. Baroda gives several vague reasons for not really particularly liking Gouvernail. However, Mrs. Baroda's change of heart about Gouvernail late in the story suggests that perhaps she is wary around her husband's friend because she can't figure him out.

Mrs. Baroda feels a sense of intrigue and mystery when she is around Gouvernail that is both alluring and uncomfortable to her. It is notable that Mrs. Baroda has been entertaining all winter and seems to be someone who shares most of her...