Throughout the novel, it is apparent that one of the few people who actually understand Edna is Mademoiselle Reisz. There is not a significant instance in which Mademoiselle has judged Edna for her behavior, whereas others, like Leonce, judge her harshly on her newfound sense of self, or "awakening". Edna has been going to Mademoiselle's dwelling to listen to her play and to use as a source of refuge. "There was nothing which so quieted the turmoil of Edna's senses as a visit to Mademoiselle Reisz. It was then, in the presence of that personality which was offensive to her, that the woman, by her divine art, seemed to reach Edna's spirit and set it free." (Chopin 106). And while Edna is in the company of Mademoiselle, she feels free to speak of anything with her, including her plans of living by herself. Mademoiselle responds with no dramatic reaction, which is crucial when realizing that Mademoiselle is a friend to Edna. "Nothing ever seemed to astonish [Mademoiselle] very much." (Chopin 106). Edna is able to talk to Mademoiselle about her real thoughts, the ones that she doesn't exhibit because no one else would understand.
Not to mention that Mademoiselle herself is somewhat deemed an outsider: "'I've heard she's partially demented,' said Arobin. 'She seems to me wonderfully sane,' Edna replied. 'I'm told she's extremely disagreeable and unpleasant.'" (Chopin 112). This piece of conversation between Edna and Arobin is incredibly important because it shows how Mademoiselle is like-minded to Edna. Perhaps the reason that Edna is comfortable confiding in Mademoiselle is because Mademoiselle is, too, ahead of her time. Mademoiselle seems to be her own person. She is not like the other women, fettered to the responsibilities women of their time have. So whereas someone like Arobin may think she is peculiar or unpleasant, someone like Edna may see that Mademoiselle Reisz is a perfectly sane, wise person.
I agree totally. I think Reisz is the woman Edna wants to be. She has no husband or children and pursues her passion as a pianist.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I loved Mademoiselle Reisz. She was like goals. She was everything Edna wanted to be. She played piano, she let Edna read the letters when no one else would, and she just understood Edna. Reisz is a good woman. Kinda puts Adele to shame. Like get your "be a good wife and mother ideals" away, Ratignolle. In here we do what we want to do, NOT what we're told. Lol
ReplyDeleteGirl, yes. Reisz is what Edna can be. She's independent, unmoving, and everyone seems to be startled by her way of acting and being. Edna appreciates her motive and Reisz even states that she is like Edna. If she was as young as her she would go and love Edna.
ReplyDeleteReisz is like that crazy single aunt or friend of your mom everyone loves. She just doesn't care and states what she believes. I agree with Julian that she's kind of better than Ratignolle.
ReplyDeleteReisz and Edna probably have those bff rings from the Spongebob secret box episode. I agree, and honestly if they ended up dating or something I wouldn't be surprised. Reisz reminds of like a cool mom who drinks smoothies and does sk8ter boi backflips while ironically watching Nick Cage and Edna is like the nerdy child who has much to learn.
ReplyDeleteExactly! I think Reisz is the woman Edna wants to be. She has no husband or children and pursues her passion as a pianist. Shes free, and thats all Edna ever wanted.
ReplyDeleteYeah I agree Soph. I aspire to be Reisz in so many ways. If I can't be her, I'd at least like to be her friend. She understands her time period, but she knows she's still allowed to have her own opinions at times. She's not scared to be her truest self and I admire that.
ReplyDeleteReisz was what Edna wanted to be. Reisz and Edna were alike because they were both outcasts. They are both peculiar, but also wise.
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