The Farival Twins and The Parrot

The Farival twins first appear in page three of The Awakening, where they play on a piano "The Poet and the Peasant" and "Zampa". But they also reappear in page thirty-one, where they play the same songs on the piano. Now this can be concluded as a mere coincidence, after all those could possibly be the only two songs they know - but it isn't only the music that correlates. Near both mentions of the Farival Twins is the parrot that at both times shrieks, "Allez vous-en! Sapristi!" (Chopin 31), which translates to "Go away! By God!". Both of these songs have a very fast paced and light hearted melody, and the parrot's words bring a slight uncomfortable and conflicting message. Perhaps the parrot is a metaphor to Edna and the twins represent the side of the Creole culture she doesn't identify with? Especially since the first mention of the parrot was a nuisance to Mr. Pontellier.