Hidden Desires?

In The Awakening, Edna’s sexuality could be questioned. This is because Edna’s homosexuality is becoming more evident as the novel progresses. It is obvious that she has an affection towards Adele Ratignolle. “The excessive physical charm of the Crepole had first attracted her, for Edna had a sensuous susceptibility to beauty. Then the candor of the women’s whole existence, which everyone might read, and which formed so striking a contrast to her own habitual reserve – this might have furnished a link,” (Chopin, 18).

                Then Edna first opens to what exactly she is feeling, and then asks herself why she feels this way, after pondering, she comes to the conclusion that she takes obvious interest in Adele Ratignolle. "That summer at Grand Isle, she began to loosen a little the mantle of reserve that had always enveloped her. There may have been-- there must have been-- influences, both subtle and apparent, working in their several ways to induce her to do this; but the most obvious was the influence of Adele Ratignolle" (Chopin 18).

                As the novel progresses, Edna and Adele make intimate gestures and call each other darling. As they made their way to the beach, the pair went arm in arm. “The two women went away one morning to the beach together, arm in arm, under the huge white sunshade,” (Chopin, 19). Then, as they were talking, “Madame Ratignolle laid her hand over that of Mrs. Pontellier, which was near her. Seeing that the hand was not withdrawn, she clasped it firmly and warmly. She even stroked it a little, fondly, with the other hand, murmuring in an undertone, “Pauvre cherie”,’’ (Chopin, 22). As well as a moment that was interrupted by Robert. “She had put her head down on Madame Ratignolle’s shoulder,” (Chopin, 25).

                As you can see, Edna’s sexuality can be questioned as her homosexuality becomes more evident as the novel progresses.