Harsh, stringent, strict; all three of these words perfectly describe the creoles in the early 19th century. Edna Pontellier was one of the few who women in the creole region who didn’t fit this description. Being born in a different geographical region was the reasoning behind her different opinions and personality. “Mrs. Pontellier talked about her father’s Mississippi plantation and her girlhood home in the old Kentucky blue-grass country.” (Chopin 5) Just like Edna, I was born in Kentucky, and the majority of everyone there is outgoing and amiable. With this background, generally people mature to be vulnerable, considering that nobody around them has betrayed them before. This could be the cause of a few of Edna Pontellier’s issues. “She was an American woman, with a small infusion of French which seemed to have been lost in dilution” (Chopin 5) 132 The weakening infusion of French that Edna possessed could also be one of the causes of her problems.
I agree with you that Mrs. Pontellier has grown to be too vulnerable. Her past is still affecting her now. You always hear about how friendly and polite the south is. Now that Mrs. Pontellier no longer lives in the friendly south, she doesn't know how to cope with any other way of life. Thus, she is left vulnerable to society taking advantage of her.
ReplyDeleteI also agree she is a woman whose past has done nothing for her but make things worse. She needs to loosen up and make some changes, and big changes. including trying to develop a relationship with her husband and children.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that she seems weak compared to other characters. I definitely think Mr. Pontellier is taking advantage of her as well. Even Robert though, he can sense her vulnerability and thats why hes trying to make a move at her, even though shes married.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Edna is vulnerable, and the fact that Mr .Pontellier practically "owns" her being does not make it any better. She definitely is a weak person, because she allows people to control her and does not do anything about it. But then again, can she really do anything about it?
ReplyDeleteI like the way you connected your life with the book. Comparing your life to the book gave me a chance to look at it in different ways. It gives people a better chance to relate to the story rather than having to connect with nothing in common, thanks mam!!
ReplyDeleteWow impressive vocabulary words Eva! I enjoy your personal connection to being conceived in Kentucky. Maybe this is why she does not particularly fit in with the Creoles. You and Edna share a lot of similar qualities :-)
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