Edna Pontellier's friendship with Mademoiselle Reisz

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.

As I continue to read The Awakening, I keep focusing on the Mrs. Pontellier. In the upcoming chapters that I have read, I am seeing her to become fed up with her marraige. The quote “Human beings are with independent will, no locks, no bolt that can set upon the freedom of their mind.” is interesting to me because I think it has a strong connection with Mrs. Pontellier. From what I am reading I can see Mrs. Pontellier begin to apply this principle into her own life. Also I think that Mr. Pontellier is starting to care less and less about Mrs. Pontellier. Another example that would strengthen the opinion of Mr. Pontellier accepting Mrs. Pontellier for her dowry only. “Do as you wish, be as you are. You only have yourself to rely on.” is another quote I think embodies Mrs. Pontellier’s attitude.

Mr. Pontellier

It's hard to imagine Edna tolerating a man such as Mr. Pontellier as a friend, let alone a husband. He fancies himself an exuberant lifestyle, and is very materialistic. Mr. Pontellier's interest in reputation and riches is exemplified when Chopin describes the Pontellier residence in New Orleans, "It was a large, double cottage, with a broad front veranda...The house was painted a dazzling white; the outside shutters, or jalousies, were green. In the yard, which was kept scrupulously neat, were flowers and plants of every description...The softest carpets and rugs covered the floor; rich and tasteful draperies hung at doors and windows. There were paintings, selected with judgement and discrimination, upon the walls. The cut glass, the silver, the heavy damask which daily appeared upon the table were the envy of many women whose husbands were less generous than Mr. Pontellier." (Chopin 66) His house is his property and an extension of his wealth and character; therefore, he adorns it with the most costly garb. This could explain why he pays closer attention to his children than Edna, they're an extension of his legacy.

Mrs. Pontellier becomes Miss Independent

I have finished reading The Awakening and I think the most significant theme that occurred was independence. While Edna was on vacation in Grand Isle, she learned how to swim by herself. “A feeling of exultation overtook her, as if some power of significant import had been given her to control the working of her body and her soul. She grew daring and reckless, overestimating her strength. She wanted to swim far out, where no woman has swum before” (37). This scene represents the sparked idea in Edna’s head to become independent and becoming able to do anything she wanted without the burden of marriage. Even though it takes awhile to gain it, she does eventually stand up for herself. "You have been a very, very foolish boy, wasting your time dreaming of impossible things when you speak of Mr. Pontellier setting me free! I am no longer one of Mr. Pontellier's possessions to dispose of or not. I give myself where I choose. If he were to say, 'Here, Robert, take her and be happy; she is yours,' I should laugh at you both" (146). She ends things with both love interests; gaining her life (ironically she loses it soon after). I added the song Miss Independent by Kelly Clarkson to this blog post because, obviously, it demonstrates the idea of a woman not needing anyone to be strong and dominant.

Edna's true colors

As the novel progresses even further, you can start to see Edna slowly becoming her own person and drifting further away from Mr. Pontellier. She started to not obey his every request like she would faithfully before this new coming of herself. In my previous post I talked about how the couple down by the beach is always in the same scene as the woman in black, indicating a relationship may take a turn for the worse. It seems as though the Pontellier's relationship is doing just that, as they are growing ever further apart from each other. A good example of this is on page 70, where Mr. Pontellier leaves mid-meal with Edna at the table. Now I'm not married or anything, but I know enough etiquette on how to treat a girl that that is not the proper way to have a meal with your significant other. Edna is realizing this and starting to detach herself from Mr. Pontellier which is rather smart on her part, so she isn't as hurt when their relationship totally crumbles.

Reasons for Marriage Failure

One of the many reasons for the failure of the Pontellier marriage is that they basically have nothing in common. For example, Mr. Pontellier doesn’t like soirées musicales and he considers them bourgeois. When it is suggested to Edna that he should stay home more, she replies, “We would have nothing to say to each other” (Chopin 122). He also has no interest in horse-racing, unlike Edna and her father. However, it is this same activity that leads her to meet Alcée Arobin, a new friend.

Another reason why their marriage fails is because Edna does not love Mr. Pontellier at all. Robert is the man she loves and she admits to this while speaking to Mademoiselle Reisz. Regardless of this, she still has some sort of interest in Arobin and when he kisses her hand, she feels dirty. However, she doesn’t even think of her husband. In this moment, she only thinks about Robert and how he would react upon finding out. “She was thinking of Robert Lebrun. Her husband seemed to her now like a person whom she had married without love as an excuse” (Chopin 132). Better yet, after Edna and Arobin finally kiss, the only reason she feels regret is because “it was not the kiss of love” (Chopin 139) that she wanted from Robert. At this point, her husband means almost nothing to her.

Edna Feels Like A Bird

While reading, I've noticed multiple things about the book. Edna does indeed talk about the ocean and the beach and birds a lot, but there are other things that I'm also starting to notice. Kate Chopin states that, "Edna was what she herself called very fond of music. Musical strains, well rendered, had a way of evoking pictures in her mind." (71 Chopin). As we see her, another reason for her "rebellion" against the world and allowing herself to feel free come from the music. We also can notice that the ocean makes her feel this way. Especially when she tells us how she was learning how to swim and finally went out on her own and swam. "How easy it is!' she thought. "It is nothing," she said aloud." (74 Chopin). Here we can comprehend that Enda once again feels free and rebellious. She almost seems... Bird like. Her "rebellion" seems to make her feel free as a bird does. Flying carelessly and living reckless, doing what it wants and being what it wants to be. Edna is like a bird and her connections with the bird show how she can create these connections with the bird, like on page (71 Chopin),  while listening to Mademoiselle Reisz play the piano, she flashes back to listening Madame Ratignolle play what she calls "Solitude" and said, "When she heard it there came before her imagination the figure of a man standing beside a desolate rock on the seashore. He was naked. His attitude was one hopeless resignation as he looked toward a distant bird winging its flight away from him." Birds are associated with rebellious daring acts for Edna and it as this way throughout the book.





            

               

Alcee Arobin

Mr. Ponellier goes away for business and you realize that Edna acts more like herself when he is away. One of the activities she does to keep herself busy, while he is away, is attend horse races. She always attends them with Alcee Arobin. “And then there was scarcely a day which followed that she did not see him or was not reminded of him,” (Chopin 105). I think Edna started hanging out with Arobin every day because there wasn’t any expectations. Arobin didn’t expect her to be the perfect wife or mom. She could speak her mind to him and he wouldn’t judge her for what she said. “It was the first kiss of her life to which her nature had really responded,” (Chopin 112). Edna kisses Arobin because she misses Robert. I think she believes kissing Robert would be equally as satisfying as kissing Robert because they are not being forced to kiss her. Arobin allows her to be different. He accepts her.  

Neglect

Edna is constantly not paying attention to her children. Mr. Pontellier mentions the neglect of her children more than once, too. He compares her to her friend, Adele. She loves music, however, she takes care of her family as well.  “There’s Madame Ratignolle; because she keeps up her music, she doesn’t let everything else go to chaos. And she’s more of a musician than you are a painter” (Chopin 77). Mr. Pontellier says this after Mrs. Pontellier spends her time painting instead of taking care of her children. In a way, I agree with Mr. Pontellier. Edna can have a passion for painting, but she can still have time for her children. I think she doesn’t pay attention to them because they remind her of Mr. Pontellier—who she doesn’t really love. I think she will eventually realize how she should spend more time with her kids, because they aren’t just Mr. Pontellier’s kids, but hers too. Also, I think she’ll be remorseful about the fact she has no relationship with them.

The Hopeless Naked Man

In The Awakening, Chopin describes Edna of being very fond of music and that, “Musical strains, well rendered, had a way of evoking pictures in her mind,” (Chopin, 34). On some mornings, Edna sometimes liked to sit in the room when Madame Ratignolle played or practiced. She then goes to describe one of her many pictures that she made by listening to music, “One piece which that lady played Edna had entitled "Solitude." It was a short, plaintive, minor strain. The name of the piece was something else, but she called it "Solitude." When she heard it there came before her imagination the figure of a man standing beside a desolate rock on the seashore. He was naked. His attitude was one of hopeless resignation as he looked toward a distant bird winging its flight away from him,” (Chopin, 34). The way I see it, Edna named the piece Solitude because it represents her life. The hopeless naked man Edna pictured represents herself. She’s trying everything she can to be free, that’s why the man is naked, because he’s trying to become free like the bird, but he is also hopeless because he know that he’ll never be like the bird. The bird symbolizes what she truly wants and that is simply to be free. 

The "Awakening"? Really?

Spongebob is Awakened

Awakening- an act or moment of becoming suddenly aware of something. “The Awakening” is symbolically used to describe what happens to Edna Pontellier throughout the course of this novel. By the end of the book Edna has become a more conscious human being. What has she become conscious of? Her whole life is has been constricted by the role she has to play in society. Edna is more than a mother and wife, many times throughout the novel this idea is presented. In the beginning of the novel we see Edna as the “meek and meager” wife she is trying so desperately to play. “Looking at them reminded her of her rings, which she had given to her husband before leaving for the beach. She silently reached out to him, and he, understanding, took the rings from his vest pocket and dropped them into her open palm. She slipped them upon her fingers”(Chopin, 3). As the novel progress we see multiple sides to Edna appear. Two specifically are her surface and inner Edna. “Even as a child she had lived her own small life all within herself. At a very early period she had apprehended instinctively the dual life—that outward existence which conforms, the inward life which questions” (Chopin, 18). The surface of Edna is the one that conforms to society. As our novel progresses inner Edna, the one that questions her actions, takes over surface Edna. Her summer on the island truly opens her eyes and invigorates her soul, Edna experiences both immense joy and terrible sorrow as her newly awakened self. “There were days when she was very happy without knowing why. She was happy to be alive and breathing, when her whole being seemed to be one with the sunlight, the color, the odors, the luxuriant warmth of some perfect Southern day. She liked then to wander alone into strange and unfamiliar places. She discovered many a sunny, sleepy corner, fashioned to dream in. And she found it good to dream and to be alone and unmolested. There were days when she was unhappy, she did not know why—when it did not seem worth while to be glad or sorry, to be alive or dead; when life appeared to her like a grotesque pandemonium and humanity like worms struggling blindly toward inevitable annihilation. She could not work on such a day, nor weave fancies to stir her pulses and warm her blood” (Chopin, 78)

The Awakening Post #3

Mrs. and Mr. Pontellier have two sons, Etienne and Raoul. They are ages four and five. They are very well behaved, respectful children. Edna does love them but only because she has to. She seems to not like the responsibility of being a mother. I believe that her children are a constant reminder of her husband, Leonce. In the beginning of the novel, the author explains the terrible marriage that the Pontellier's have. Edna and Leonce do not seem to care what the other does with their life. They do not bond or spend time with each other at all. They do not even seem like a family. It is sad because their children are affected greatly by this. They do not receive a lot of attention and are left in the care of their nanny most of the time. "Their absence was a sort of relief, though she did not admit this, even to herself. It seemed to free her of a responsibility which she had blindly assumed and for which fate had not fitted her." (Chopin 30) This quote confirms that she is not a good mother and does not really care for her children even if she hates to admit it.

Value?

Mr. Pontellier seems to always want the best and nothing but the best. He refuses to settle for less, and is very confident of his ownings. “He greatly valued his possessions, chiefly because they were his,” (Chopin 67). In this time period the men controlled their wives for the most part. The irony is that he values his possessions, but he does not value his wife which should be the most valuable to him. His wife is his, but why doesn’t he value her? She should be special to him, but so far throughout the novel she does not seem to be. Everything in his house he is proud of and fond of. Everything he owns, he values, just not her. At the same time, how much does she care for him? He is a successful man who has given her a decent life, but it still does not seem good enough. What is good enough?

Oblivious

Mr. Pontellier seeks help from a doctor to better understand his wife in chapter 22. He is having a difficult time understanding Edna’s new “Awakening” and he needs someone to help him better interpret what she’s going through. He gets help from an old friend and family physician named Doctor Mandelet. Mr. Pontellier speaks his mind and says, “I came to consult – no, not precisely to consult – to talk to you about Edna. I don’t know what ails her,” (Chopin 88). Mr. Pontellier knows about Robert and Edna’s closeness but doesn’t seem to think her acting odder than usual has to do with Robert being in Mexico. This is strange because if I was in his position, the first thing I would think of is an affair between the two “friends.” Mr. Pontellier has been oblivious to Edna having some feelings for Robert, and if he is that oblivious to something so large, what else is he not seeing?

Doctor Mandelet replies with, “Let her stay among her own people for a while; it will do her good,” (Chopin 89). Edna doesn’t want to be around people right now. She wants to be secluded. If she can’t see Robert, she will see no one.

Unresolved Conflicts

*SPOILERS AHEAD* Don't read on if you haven't finished the book! At the end of the book, Edna commits suicide. Chopin writes, “She did not look back now, she went on and on… her arms and legs were growing tired… the shore was far behind her and her strength was gone” (Chopin 157). Edna walked out to the sea as far as she could until her body grew weary. The book ended abruptly after Edna’s death. Her death is never announced, but it could be inferred. The readers were left to wonder whether Edna’s friends and family ever found out about her affair. It would’ve been interesting to see what Mr. Pontiller, Edna’s husband, thought of his wife’s affair, especially because he was so loyal and committed to her.

Gold Digger

            Throughout the entirety of The Awakening, Edna never once describes her husband’s physical attributes. Maybe Mr. Pontellier is just very ugly because it seems that Edna is attracted to the average Joe.

When asked by Mademoiselle Reisz why she likes Robert, Edna enthusiastically responds with, “His hair is brown and grows away from his temples; because he opens and shuts his eyes, and his nose is a little out of drawing; because he has two lips and a square chin…” (Chopin 110). So, Edna likes someone with dominant features AND someone with normal human traits, such as eyes, lips, and a chin?! Shocking. So, why does she never talk about the physique of her own husband? Is it because she married him for something other than his personality, looks, or love?  Edna is a prime example of a gold digger. Married for the money, Edna realizes when it’s too late that money simply cannot buy happiness. This is why she was too generous with the bonbons and so unappreciative with what she had. She always wanted something more. Mr. Pontellier was a great husband to Edna; it was not his fault that she traded him for a younger man.

Edna Pontellier: A Dynamic Character

        
          Characters in novels are categorized into two types of characters: Static and Dynamic. Static characters stay the same and have no drastic change throughout the story, while dynamic characters goes through a transformation as the story progresses. And in the novel The Awakening by Kate Chopin, the main character Edna Pontellier goes through a massive transformation throughout the course of the story line. In the beginning, Edna lived in her husband’s shadow, did what he said, and never really stood up for herself as an individual. This is evident when her husband insists she goes to check on their son because he is sure that the boy has a fever. Even when Edna knows Raoul has no fever— she does it anyway just to please her husband and avoid further conflict. In this situation, it appears that Mr. Pontellier has complete control over Mrs. Pontellier, and she does not do anything about it.
            In a later situation though, Edna does what she pleases, and practically defies her husband’s insistence unlike she did in the early scene. “’ This is more than folly,’ he blurted out. ‘I can’t permit you to stay out there all night. You must come in the house instantly.’” This was said by her husband Leonce, and is another example of him commanding his wife, but this time she doesn’t give in and responds with, ”’Leonce, go to bed,’ she said. ‘ I mean to stay out here. I don’t wish to go in, and I don’t intend to. Don’t speak to me like that again; I shall not answer you’” (Chopin 78). This change in response and character is evident and the difference between her reactions to his demands in the two situations are prime examples of how she is a dynamic character

Becoming New

Throughout the novel we know very much about the background during this time and we know that Edna is property to her husband. So when Edna finally is becoming her own person she branches out to do and say what she wants. While Robert leaves her abruptly for Mexico she must return to her normal boring life, or not. Edna now doesn't care what her husband says to her, asks her, and even tells he to do. She has finally started to grow from a trapped nothing. Now that's the summer has ended and she is back to her home in New Orleans she is suppose to follow the general traditions that happen back home. She is now enjoying her painting and doing it very frequently letting her enjoy her true quality. As time goes on Léonce notices his wife's slacking and not the same woman he married years ago that followed the general rule that she had to do what pleases her husband and listen towns the said while the person she is becoming is trying to break out to show this new and improved Edna.

Hateful or Forgetful?

It seems like Edna may like her children more than what had been seen. It is true that she may not like them too much. “He reproached his wife for with her inattention, her habitual neglect of the children.” (Chopin 7). She often ignored her own children and their needs. She would let the nanny take care of the children and not even know how to tell when one had been ill. But that does not mean that she had despised or even disliked her children. “She was fond of her children in an impulsive way. She would sometimes gather them passionately to her heart; she would sometimes forget them.” (Chopin 25). It is not that she entirely hates her children, it is the fact that she holds responsibility for them. It does not make any better as a mother, but at least it shows she does not absolutely loathe her children.

Identity

In the Awakening Enda seems like she is trying to find herself. Her role in society at this point is to be a mom and a wife, but she seems happier out running around with other men. Her mood changed completely when she is talking to her husband compared to talking to Robert. "She silently reached out to him" (Chopin 3) Kate explained to us when she was asking for her rings from Mr. Pontellier and "she looked across at Robert and began to laugh" (Chopin 3). Both of these actions have different tones about how she feels about each man. In the present day and age she could just divorce her husband and move on with her life. In the society she lived in that is not acceptable. Mrs. Pontellier is forced to pretend to enjoy and be someone she does not want to be. I could never live in the society she lived in. It is hard for her to be happy and be who she really wants to be with society telling her that she is wrong.

Women should listen to men?

In the Great Awakening Kate Chopin shows how much men believed women should listen to their every word. Chopin writes, "It sometimes entered Mr. Pontellier's mind to wonder if his wife were not growing a little unbalanced mentally... That is, he could not see that she was becoming herself and daily casting aside that fictitious self which appear before the world," (page 77). After Edna started to act like herself and Mr. Pontellier notice he couldn't help but sometimes assume she was going crazy. Men believed that they had so much power over women. It shows how in that time power over women was just seemed like common sense and no one would ever question it. If they didn't listen or act like what was acceptable they worried men and were punished. Chopin also writes, “I’m not making any fuss over it. But it’s just such seeming trifles that we’ve got to take seriously; such things count,” (page 69). Mr. Pontellier was looking over who wanted to meet with her. He controls her relationships and easily refused to listen to anything she had to say about it.

Does Edna Secretly Want World Domination?

Okay. So my title might be a little misleading, but as you read The Awakening, it is very obvious that Edna just wants more and more. In the beginning, it seems as if she is just disappointed in being in a marriage and having kids. She is more or less in love with Robert, and would rather have him as a husband in Leonce's place. This is all swell, however, as the novel progresses, Edna attempts to have a little more say in what is required of her. As she moves back into the city, she doesn't settle for anything less than what she wants. At times, we experience her becoming annoyed and throwing vases while stomping on her wedding ring, a temper tantrum which is no better than the kids she should be raising. Eventually, her children leave for Iberville while Leonce leaves for New York, leaving Edna to stay at home and do as she pleases. Shouldn't this make her happy? After all the book states, " When Edna was at last alone, she breathed a big, genuine sigh of relief" (Chopin, 97). She obviously made no attempt to raise her children, seeing as how " she would sometimes forget them" (Chopin 25) or be a good wife. "Once she stopped, and taking off her wedding ring, flung it upon the carpet. When she saw it lying there, she stamped her heel upon it, striving to crush it" (Chopin, 71). However, even after they leaves, she tells her husband that she's going to live on her own in a house around the block because, I believe that, she keeps wanting even more freedom and even more to call her own and even more to completely erase her title as a mother and wife. "Without even waiting for an answer from her husband regarding his opinion or wishes in the matter, Edna hastened her preparations for quitting her home on Esplanade Street and moving into the little house around the block" (Chopin 113). Even then, she still "felt the old ennui overtaking her (Chopin 120)" amidst her guests at her dinner party. To me, I start to wonder "When will she stop?' or "Will she ever be happy and content with her life?" Edna Pontellier is a peculiar one indeed, and world domination might not be far off on her "To-Achieve-And-Conquer-While-Getting-Rid-Of-My-Family List."

Awakening Post #3

Edna Pontellier is starting to confuse me. She has feelings for Robet Lebrun and Adele Ratignolle, but not any feelings for her husband. "Her marriage to Leonce Pontellier was purely an accident, in this respect resembling many other marriages which masquerade the decrees of Fate" (Chopin 24). She obviously was married to her husband under pressure. I think either she was forced into marriage by her father or she might have been impreganated and forced into her marriage. She spends no time with her children or husband, but with two other love interests. One problem here is that she doesn't have the right to divorce her husband, which she obviously wants. Back in these times, the man in the relationship was the only person to decide to divorce his spouse.

There is clear opposition between Robert Lebrun and Madame Ratignolle. They both are attracted to Edna. "I only ask for one; let Mrs. pontellier alone" (Chopin 26). Madame Ratignolle said this to Lebrun. This is obviously an attempt to get Robert Lebrun to direct himself to another woman. Of, course Lebrun dossnt't afgree with this. Edna's love life consists of not her husband, but another man and woman.

Gender Roles and the Awakening

One theme found in the novel was gender roles. Many of the women of the Grand Isle had particular duties as women and mothers. One of these duties was to be submissive to their husbands. For example, Edna’s Husband “look[ed] at his wife as one looks at a valuable piece of personal property which has suffered some damage.” (Chopin 3). To Mr. Pontellier, his wife was an object he owned, much like a slave, rather than a human being. Another example of this was when Chopin stated, “If it is not a mother’s place to look after children, whose on earth was it?” (Chopin 7). Again, women were kept at home to clean and cook and keep watch over children, while men lived social lives without a care about such trivial duties; housework was only for women.

One of the main recurring themes throughout the novel was femininity. In chapter 22, this theme was evident in Edna’s conversation with Mr. Pontellier and the Doctor, “ "Has she," asked the Doctor, with a smile, "has she been associating of late with a circle of pseudo-intellectual women—super spiritual superior beings? My wife has been telling me about them. "That's the trouble," broke in Mr. Pontellier, "she hasn't been associating with any one. She has abandoned her Tuesdays at home, has thrown over all her acquaintances, and goes tramping about by herself, moping in the street-cars, getting in after dark. I tell you she's peculiar. I don't like it; I feel a little worried over it" ” (Chopin 88). The quote was referring directly to the feminist movement, which was just beginning to surface in the late 1800’s. During this period, women searched for equality among men. The quote also suggested that the Doctor sees some women as ‘greater in intellect than the average person’ and that the women are ‘superior’ in certain aspects. Also, in chapter 36, Edna is conversing with Robert, and the subject of her marriage came up, “ "You have been a very, very foolish boy, wasting your time dreaming of impossible things when you speak of Mr. Pontellier setting me free! I am no longer one of Mr. Pontellier's possessions to dispose of or not. I give myself where I choose. If he were to say, 'Here, Robert, take her and be happy; she is yours,' I should laugh at you both." His face grew a little white. "What do you mean?" he asked” (Chopin 146). Enda was trying to convey the feminist message, mostly in saying that she isn’t owned by anybody, and that she isn’t a possession. She was trying to say that she contained the ability to give herself to someone if she wished to, and it’s obvious that Robert didn’t understand this.

Marriage and Vases

Ever since Robert left, Edna has taken to having mood swings. She was religiously in the program for the reception every Tuesday, but since Robert left she didn't want to be there. Mr. Pontellier asked Edna why she left early, and when he left to go eat dinner at the club Edna “carried in her hands a thin handkerchief, which she tore into ribbons, rolled into a ball, and flung from her. Once he stopped, and taking off her wedding, flung it upon the carpet. When she saw it lying there, she stamped her heel upon it, striving to crush it. But her small boot heel did not make an indenture, not a mark upon the little glittering circlet. In a sweeping passion she seized a glass vase from the table and flung it upon the tiles of the hearth. She wanted to destroy something. The crash and clatter were what she wanted to hear.” (page 71). She was upset and wanted to have nothing to do with their marriage. This is the first time we see her being physically upset about her relationship with Mr. Pontellier.

Does Chopin Try too Hard?

I've been noticing throughout this novel that Kate Chopin goes very in depth with certain situations. Although there is literary assets that can be obtained throughout this novel, she may be adding too much. What I'm trying to explain is that if Chopin is able to cut back on her style of writing, or is able to cut back on the amount she is writing, it would be much simpler to obtain these assets. “At an early hour in the evening the Farival twins were prevailed upon played the piano. They were girls of fourteen, always clad in Virginia’s colors, blue and white, having been dedicated to the Blessed Virgin at their baptism. They played a duet from ‘Zampa’ and at the earnest solicitation of every one present followed it with the over torture to ‘The Poet and the Peasant’”. (Chopin 31). Now there is literary knowledge within this quote. The pieces of music she refers to are quite interesting, but you really have to dig through everything else in order to find these interesting parts. If she was able to cut back on the amount she is writing, the book would become much more interesting.

While reading The Awakening by Kate Chopin I've noticed a relationship between Mrs. Pontellier and Monsieur Ratignolle beginning to develop. Earlier when Monsieur Ratignolle and Mrs. Pontellier were introduced to each other I noticed a special bond starting to form. “danced twice with her Husband, once with Robert, and one with Monsieur Ratignolle” (Chopin 33) this was really the moment where I started to realize the relationship between them. This may be hidden in The Awakening for many reasons. For example, at the time that this was written any kind of homosexuality was frowned upon and was seen as something that was out of the normal. This is one of the reason why I think that this book is very modern. The Awakening is very modern because if you look at today homosexaulitity is looked at as something normal and it really isnt frowned on.

Bye Bye Robert :((

Chapter 15 leaves off when Robert leaves to go to Mexico and a heartbroken Edna holding back her tears.   Her feelings for Robert are clearly visible, but the problem is that he didn’t really feel the same way back. He had a fling with a different woman every summer and then he moved on, and so for him, Edna was just another chess piece in his ever-changing game. But for her, he was it, everything she wanted and adored that her own husband didn’t give her. “How long will you be gone?’  ‘Forever, perhaps, I don’t know. It depends upon a good many things.” (Chopin 60) A person most likely would tell someone when they will return, but he doesn’t even care about her enough to give her a definite answer on his return. In most cases, when two people have feelings or a strong type of connection for each other, they can’t be ripped apart, but as we can see, Robert is unaffected by Edna ad how distressed she is. So what comes next for Edna? The man she cared about the most just walked out of her life, with no assurance on coming back.

Just a summer fling?

We all know the story of Grease, a boy and girl meet over summer and fall in love, however, summer must come to an end and they go back to their respective homes, never thinking they would see each other again, but Sandy and Danny are in luck. Shortly after they restart school, they find they both attend Rydell and are happily reunited and despite their ups and downs, live happily ever after. This might sound familiar to how Robert and Edna met, but maybe Robert doesn't want a classic Grease ending for his affair with Edna.

In the book, we see that after moving to Mexico, he keeps closely in touch with some, but oddly enough, his letters seem to be focused on Edna. Now, why wouldn't he just send her a letter and ask the questions he has personally? My theory is that he thinks of Edna as nothing more than a summer fling, rather than a potential lasting relationship, as Edna sees it. We see that he is curious about her when he writes his letters, "“Yes, to me. Why not? Don’t stir all the warmth out of your coffee; drink it. Though the letter might as well have been sent to you; it was nothing but Mrs. Pontellier from beginning to end.”" (68). Obviously he wants to know about her, but isn't asking her specifically for a reason. Unfortunately, I do not see a happy ending for their relationship, maybe Sandy and Danny should teach them how it's done.

The Light

In Chapter six Edna is really starting to see the way through her dark times. She is starting to think of herself for the first time and do what she finally wants to do. She is starting to develop a relationship with the outer world. Then she starts to feel a light within her. This shows her of her ways to her dreams and thoughtfulness. That brought her away from the shadowy anguish that brings her to tears every time her husband comes home from the club. Then in Chapter seven she takes this new found confidence and she doesn't discuss it with anyone. She likes to keep her feeling to herself. Then she starts having walks with Adele. They both are the new friends in Grand Isle. But the one thing Edna does that is different is confide in Adele. She actually shared her feelings with her. She says "The Sea reminds her of a day when she walked through a large meadow near hear childhood in Kentucky". So now she has finally found someone she can speak to about how she feels. Then later she thinks about the relationship with her children. She feels that she really doesn't connect with them. She feels a great deal of relief when they are sent away from her and given to their family. So now she is starting to come to terms with how she feels and see the light of her life. Here is a link to pictures that express this post.https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=0ahUKEwiGqJmLupXLAhWI7D4KHYLPBk8QjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.playbuzz.com%2Fisaacc14%2Fa-are-you-light-or-dark&psig=AFQjCNGp8b-mU3bohYt9vo35RtzEBxcV4A&ust=1456576938061010&rct=j

Robert's Feelings

Mrs. Pontellier visits Mademoiselle Reisz and Mademoiselle mentions her letter from Robert. "Though the letter might as well have been sent it to you; it was nothing but Mrs. Pontellier from beiginning to end." (Chopin, 84) Mrs. Pontellier begs to read the letter, and Mademoiselle finally lets Mrs. Pontellier read it. She ends up sobbing and leaving  Mademoiselle's apartment. "Robert's letter was on the floor. She stooped and picked it up. It was crumpled and damp with tears." (Chopin, 87) This forces the reader into wondering what Robert wrote in the letter. Was he declaring his love for Edna? Or has he found his own true love? As a reader, I immediately assumed Robert died, but if he did, Mademoiselle would have been upset and so would Victor and his mother in the previous chapter. This also creates suspension as to what will happen next. Robert is a dynamic character, especially when it comes to Edna. For example, he did, out of nowhere, head to Mexico without telling his friend, Edna. I believe he has feelings for Edna, but doesn't want to admit it. 

Theme: Femininity

Another theme found in the novel is femininity and woman power. The fact that a woman can do anything a man can do. In this time women were expected to stay home and take care of the house and children, if they were present. They were expected to obey their husbands. They weren't educated or able to be educated, all but Edna. Throughout her awakening she learns at least three new languages, and even learns how to express herself through arts and music. Edna also had ambitions, which most women didn’t have around this time period. Those ambitions scared people. “...She has abandoned her Tuesdays at home, has thrown over all her acquaintances, and goes tramping about herself, moping in the street-cars, getting in after dark.I tell you she’s peculiar. I don’t like it; I feel a little worried over it,” (89). From this quote we can see that Mr. Pontellier is scared of the fact that she is starting to disobey his wishes. He is worried that she isn’t being the woman he married any longer. He has quietly been observing her every move, which was common as well because it was more accepted that a man could cheat on his wife, but his wife could not have an affair. Mr. Pontellier also says “...Her whole attitude-- toward me and everybody and everything-- has changed,” (88). Here we can see that Edna is becoming her own woman, her own person. The doctor and her husband try to come up with explanations as to why she’s acting this way, when all she is doing is taking control of her life. She is a strong independent woman who can make her own choices and stand up for them, while this doesn’t technically make her a feminist, it just shows that she doesn't succumb to a man. She see’s herself as more of an outsider, that she just exists, she has no specific role.

Changed Feelings

When Robert leaves to go to Mexico, he leaves a very heartbroken Edna behind, the worst part being she had to find out the news from someone else. The real question is: did Robert's feelings toward her go away? It was very clear from the beginning that he had an interest in her but he seems to have no problem going off to a different country without even telling her, which tells us as the audience that he probably wouldn't have told her at all if she hadn't found out herself. "'How long will you be gone?' 'Forever, perhaps. I don't know. It depends upon a good many things" (Chopin 60). When asked how long he'll be, he doesn't even give her a direct or reassuring answer. If he really cared for her, he would have promised her that he'd come back or that they'd meet again at some point later on in their lives. Usually when two people have feelings toward each other, they can't bear to be apart. It's not a secret that Edna is very upset but Robert doesn't seem to be affected by it even though she's standing right in front of him. Is it possible that, just like her husband, he is starting to look at her as if she is just some other woman? 

goodbye marriage, it was nice knowing you.

While reading The Awakening, I came across an interesting scene. After returning from the Grand Isle, Mr. and Mrs. Pontellier are eating dinner in their home in New Orleans, when Mr. Pontellier finds his food unsatisfactory, and leaves to eat at a club. After Edna finishes eating, she walks over to the hearth, where she throws her wedding ring on the ground and steps on it, followed up by throwing a crystal vase on the ground for good measure. This is very important to Edna’s resistance to her marriage. This ring represents the devotion a husband and wife have for each other, and by stepping on it, Edna effectively shows that she no longer wants to be with Mr. Pontellier. Ever since Robert left for mexico, he is all Edna thinks about. I believe she would much rather be married to robert than she would to Mr. Pontellier. Perhaps in the later chapters of the book we will get to see Edna leaving Mr. Pontellier. I think it would be interesting to see a conflict arise between the married couple, in addition to the inner conflict Edna is experiencing while trying to find out what is changing inside her.

Identity crisis

The issue of finding her reasoning for existence are definitely present in the novel as we see Edna come to terms with her true form of identity. We see her acting on impulses instead of overthinking  her every action. But she really doesn’t understand the way she is feeling. The  depressed actions start to occur as she denies these impulses.When we see Edna start to come out of her shell it represents the awakening of her true inner self that has been hiding below the lower portion of her mind. Edna’s newly independence of her identity feels to her like a dream but that comes crashing to a halt once she returns to Grand Isle. In order for Edna finds greater fulfillment as a human being she has to make an important decision that could guide her subconscious up and beyond.

Edna's True Feelings

Edna’s true feeling for Robert are revealed when she finds out that he is going to Mexico and she becomes very worried that he may not come back. She asks Robert “That’s one of the ridiculous things which men always say. I have never known on to speak otherwise of fanning. How long will you be gone (Chopin 60)?” Roberts answer shocks Edna and she becomes very worried about how long he is really going to be gone for. “Forever, perhaps. I don’t know. It depends upon a good many things (Chopin 60).”  Soon after she get s this response she seems to become very flustered and she says “That seems to me perfectly preposterous and uncalled for. I don’t like it. I don’t understand your motive for silence and mystery, never saying a word to me about it this morning (Chopin 60).” But why is this bother her so, doesn’t she have a husband and family that she should be worried about? She’s only “friends” with Robert and she has no say in his life so why is she so frustrated with him? Her flustered attitude continues “How unlike Robert! The merest acquaintance would have said something more than emphatic than “I will, thank you; good-by,” to such a request (Chopin 60)”

Robert leaving

Throughout the first few chapters of “The Awakening” Chopin hinted there was a stronger bond than just friendship between Robert and Edna Pontellier. But when Robert abruptly mentions he’s leaving for Mexico, the plot takes a drastic change. At their goodbye, Edna angrily exclaimed, “How unlike Robert! The merest acquaintance would have said something more empathetic than ‘I will; thank you. Good bye.’ to such a request.” This could possibly show that Edna believed she knew Robert more than she did. With his absence, the plot in this book could take a major turn. Edna could either try to rekindle the love of her husband and children, or go after Robert. Chopin leaves clues for us to guess which path Edna takes. After Robert leaves, Chopin stated, “For some reason she felt depressed, almost unhappy.” (Chopin 66) This can lead us to believe that Edna’s happiness left with Robert, therefore, there is a probability she’ll travel after him. 

Changes of Heart

Edna seems to have a constant change of mood, to the point where it begins to seem unnatural. Although she once says that her mere feelings for Robert are nothing like those for her husband, many of her thoughts and actions contradict this statement.  At the end of chapter 15, Edna holds back tears when Robert leaves for Mexico, giving her short answer to her asking him to write her. “Edna bit her handkerchief, striving to hold back, and to hide, even from herself as she would have hidden from another…” (Chopin 94). She is even jealous when she finds that he wrote to his mom, and not Edna. Her feelings for Robert seem to depict the way she chased and enamored guys before she married Mr. Pontellier. After Alcee Arobin kisses her hand, she feels a pang of guilt, not for having a husband though. “She did not mean her husband; she was thinking of Robert Lebrun. Her husband seemed to her now like a person whom she married without love as an excuse”(132). I think Edna’s constant change of heart is going to get her in trouble.

The Awakening- Kate Chopin Post #3

In Chapter 19 of The Awakening, there comes another situation where Edna’s mothering skills come into question. It seems as if Edna has been spending the majority of her time painting rather then caring for her family. As said in the book, “It seems to me the utmost folly for a woman at the head of a household, and the mother of children, to spend in an atelier days which would be better employed contriving for the comfort of her family” (Chopin 76-77). He compares her to Adele, her friend, because Adele cares a lot about her family and doesn’t allow her love of music to get in the way of that. “There’s Madame Ratignolle; because she keeps up her music, she doesn’t let everything else go to chaos. And she’s more of a musician than you are a painter” (Chopin 77). Once again, this is not the first time Mr. Pontellier has confronted his wife about not giving their kids enough attention...