The Awakening Post #2

            Beginning in chapter 8, a large amount of time is spent with Edna reflecting on her present self and her childhood. While Edna relaxes on a summer day with her close-friend Maddame Ratignolle, she begins to drift off, thinking, staring at the Gulf. “Of whom-of what are you thinking?”(Chopin 60) asks Maddame Ratignolle. Edna responds, telling Adele that she had been observing the sight of the water. Edna also tells Adele of her correlation between the hot wind of the day to that of a summer day in Kentucky where she had spent her childhood. She reflects upon her past further into the chapter.

Opening chapter 9, Maddame Ratignolle asks a favor of Robert. “I ask for one; let Mrs. Pontellier alone.”(Chopin 64) Robert responds in detestation, asking why. Robert begins a heated outburst, clearly upset by Adele Ratignolle’s request. Further into the chapter, the issue is resolved although, Mrs. Pontellier acknowledges a difference forming in their relationship. A few weeks later, Robert’s mother, Maddame Lebrun hosts a party for her guests. Two girls, twins, play a piece on the piano, and other children recite literature for the guests. After these performances, a real pianist arrives. Mrs. Pontellier truly enjoys hearing this woman play, and according to the book, the music often creates images in her mind. This time, the woman plays a piece Edna is familiar with. She calls it “Solitude” although it’s true title differs. Edna Pontellier responds with strong emotion instead of with images. Her eyes begin to well and she begins to cry. The pianist notices her strong reaction after she is done and comes to speak with Mrs. Pontellier.