When first published in 1899, The Awakening shocked readers with its honest treatment of female marital infidelity. Audiences accustomed to the pieties of late Victorian romantic fiction were taken aback by Chopin's daring portrayal of a woman trapped in a stifling marriage, who seeks and finds passionate physical love outside the straitened confines of her domestic situation. As you read the novel pay close attention to the themes, characterization, and symbols.
171 comments:
In the first five chapters of The Awakening, Kate Chopin included several pieces of foreshadowing. For example, Chopin wrote, "He thought it very discouraging that his wife, who was the sole object of his existence, evinced so little interest in things which concerned him, and valued so little his conversation" (17).Though the "Reading Pointers" did reveal Edna's involvement with two men, Chopin began to hint at a fractured relationship between Edna and her husband,Leonce Pontellier. Also, Chopin did not hesitate to admit the established familiarity between Edna and Robert, a family friend. Robert was constantly at Edna's heels, both often giving smiles to the other. A young, ignorant friendship definately exists, and Chopin teases her audience with her foreshadowing of a more intimate relationship.
brittnay your the man. Everything you just said I also noticed and you made good comments about it. I would also like to point out that the cover of the book really helps the reader to understand what is going on. The cage symbolizes a woman (Mrs. Pontellier) because it is shaped like one. The "body cage" keeps the bird inside it from escaping. This bird symbolizes the hope, love, and security Mrs. Pontellier has to keep inside of her.
At the exposition of the novel, Mr. Pontellier's parrot says, "Allez vous-en! Allez vous-en! Sapristi!" (Chopin 11). At first, this seems like gibberish in another language, but after looking in the back of the book, the reader finds that it is more than just that. The literal definition of the French phrase is "Go away! Go away! For heaven's sake!" The parrot in the cage represents Edna's true personality and how she feels about her relationship with her husband, Mr. Pointellier. The colors of the parrot show Edna's lively personality and free spirit. The phrase that the bird says attests to her discontent in her relationship. Edna just wants to get away from her husband and house life. The cage that the bird resides in represents her husband, children, and the emotions carried by them.
The beginning of The Awakening serves one clear purpose: foreshadowing. Without explicitly saying it, Chopin reveals the conflict in the novel. He describes what appears to be a perfect marital relationship between Leonce and Edna. The conflict is revealed when Edna and Leonce's thoughts start to contrast with the idea of a flawless marriage. Leonce feels that Edna is disconnected with him and their family and Edna feels persecuted by Leonce. Even within the first chapters, these feelings start to separate the two slightly, with Edna turning to Robert and Leonce comparing Edna to other women. These chapters suggest that this dissatisfaction the two share may grow into a full-blown conflict.
Generally, when I'm supposed to read a book, I just stare at the book in disgust for a while. On the bright side, I happened to notice that there is a bird in a cage. I agree with i like big butts and i cannot lie! (zack walsh) when he talks about the cage representing Mrs. Pontellier. I'd also like to expand on i like big butts and i cannot lie! (zack walsh)'s beauteous comment by commenting on how society has a tendency to cage those things that are free or different. From the Holocaust to the caged retards Borat Sagdiyev spoke of in "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan", past history shows us that society cages others as a means of achieving personal gain or in reaction to fear. In this case, I predict that Victorian society traps Edna's aspirations and dreams. Upon further inspection of the novel's cover, I notice that there is a similar cage on the back, but with the heart on fire. Based on that observation, I hypothesize that Edna is freed from her cage at some point in the novel.
@KevinTanner
Oh my god! (OMG!!!) I saw that bird in a cage on the cover too (WOW!!), however I feel that it has a different meaning. The cage is shaped like a woman's torso. The cage represents the facade that women were impelled to wear during Victorian times. A woman was told that they should be the perfect housewife and devote themselves entirely to their husbands and families, without having any real control over their lives. The bird symbolizes Edna's spirit and personality that is being repressed by her pretense or "cage". The cover implies that if Edna wants to be "free", she needs to overcome the societal pressures.
@ Poke'LOLINTERNETSkool010one~ CODYCALDWELL(rulzlol)
I think that our meanings are more alike than may first appear. You said, " A woman was told that they should be the perfect housewife and devote themselves entirely to their husbands and families, without having any real control over their lives." I discuss the limits of Victorian society on Edna's future, being limiting and restrictive, where Edna's dream is to be more than a housewife.
In chapter three, the tension between Mr. and Mrs. Pontellier grows and gets closer to destruction. Kate Chopin writes, "Mrs. Pontellier was by that time thoroughly awake. She began to cry a little, and wiped her eyes on the sleeve of her peignoir. Blowing out the candle, which her husband had left burning, she slipped her bare feet into a pair of satin mules at the foot of the bed and went out on the porch, where she sat down in the wicker chair and began to gently rock to and fro" (Chopin 18). Before this part of the novel, there had been no tears shed by any character in the story. Edna's tears exemplify her discontent with her husband, and how she can no longer hold that sadness in. Later in the section, she no longer worries about keeping her face dry. This represents how she can no longer keep her hatred for her husband inside her. This brings the readers back to the cover. The cage on the front cover can also symbolize how she holds in her discontent for her spouse. The cage, being webbed, allows one to see inside the cage where her hatred resides. Hatred, much like a bird in a cage, must eventually be freed for happiness to resume. When Edna blows out the candle her husband left on, it represents the flame of love finally being put out.
I agree with what Zach Walsh said about the bird cage, and I also understand what Kevin is saying about how society is trapped inside of it. The cage repesents the solitude of their community, and shows the difference presented from the outside world. Chopin says, "Mrs. Pontellier, though she had married a Creole, was not thoroughly at home in the society of Creoles; never before had she been thrown so intimately among them" (22). This passage explains how Mrs. Pontellier is tossed into this unknown world when she married Mr. Pontellier, and it also illustrates the difference in culture if you live in the South. Another thing i noticed throughout the first four chapters was the use of imagery. Kate Chopin really "paints a picture" for the audience by describing the ocean and the white sunshade.
Towards the end of chapters 5&6 we are starting to notice a change in Edna. She's finally starting to realize the complications with Robert and his closeness, and she begins to feel like the world presents us all with two paths to follow. One path will lead you towards a different life and outcome, and the other will guide you towards another lifestyle. In chapter 7 Enda and Madame Ratignolle take a trip to the beach to relax and collect their thoughts. While sitting and gazing at the ocean, Enda starts thinking about her childhood in Kentucky and talks about how she feels the same now as when she was a child. Enda proclaims, "sometimes I feel this summer as if I were walking through the green meadow again; idly, aimlessly, unthinking and unguided" (34). From here Enda starts to see the confusion in her life, and questions the choices she made from her life in Kentucky and Mississippi and her choice of marrying Mr. Potellier.
Chopin's is really dishing out the literary terms in the beginnings of this book...
1) Foreshadowing- Chopin is using foreshadowing to the problems to, undoubtably, arise throughout the course of the book between Mr. And Mrs. Pontellier.
2) Imagery- While she makes it hard for the reader to focus on anything but the relationship problems occurring in the novel, Chopin also uses words carefully to help the reader visualize being on the beach. Also, because of the connotation we all feel from the word "beach", it makes us think of vacations and relaxing visits to the ocean. She uses thins to help get the point across that bad things happen in good places, and not everything is as it appears.
3) Realism- Because the plot, setting, complications, and characters all seem to be a "slice of real life", one could say that Chopin is using realism to connect with her readers on a more personal level.
--peace out
Throughout the first eight chapters, I personally like how Kate Chopin illustrates the culture in the South. Either through her choice of incorporating French words or how she illustrates conversations between the characters, the readers are able to recognize how proper and polite Southern "folk" are.
-comment for Mrs. Lacey (the blog post which just says Zach is zach weismiller too... just to let you know)
Great job so far! The comments are very thoughtful. I like that you are all looking at the book cover and interpreting what it means, as well as picking out significant quotes and examples of literary terms.
- Miss McGovern
gracias ms mcgovern hey i didnt know your name was madonna cool cool
-tell mrs. lacey the blog idea works real well
I agree with the thoughts that everyone has posted about the front cover; in that the cage is representing the "trapped" existence that Mrs. Pontellier is forced to live. We can tell that her husband is very controlling in ways, and he is cautious of his relationship with his wife. However, it is evident that he does not want to lose or damage his relationship with either his wife or his kids. Kate Chopin states, "Mr. Pontellier had forgotten the bonbons and peanuts for the boys. Not withstanding he loved them very much, and went into the adjoining room where they slept to take a look at them and make sure that they were resting comfortably" (17). Also, with the ongoing visits from Robert it is possible to assume that Mrs. Pontellier may be looking for more than just the friendship that is portrayed by the two. After reading the first chapters, it is clear that the exposition of the book is made to foreshadow the events to come in the story.
The relationships between men and women in the novel are not the typical type. Chopin writes, "That made them all laugh. The righ hand jealous of the left! The heart jealous of the soul! But for that matter, the Creole husband is never jealous; with him the gangrene passion is one which has becom dwarfed by disuse" (26). Although Robert invades on married women, their husbands resist the feeling of jealousy. It doesn't even cross their minds. Chopin uses the metaphors of hands and the heart to display this lack of emotion. They fail to reveal this passion, for it can backfire and destroy themselves if they become engulfed in it. Instead, they treat their wives apathetically with little feeling or emotions shown.
What's up with all the WATER in the book? What could it mean?
In response to Madonna, I noticed the water right away too. So far, I have only read up to chapter six, but I think that the sea represents a place to escape. Mrs. Pontellier obviously isn’t content with relationship with her husband. This is seen, above other reasons, by her peculiar relationship with Robert. The cottage by the sea is a place that appears to be calm, which is much different than how her relationship is Mr. Pontellier. The water appears on the cover of the book as a place where the bird in the cage, Mrs. Pontellier, can’t quite reach. Observing the title of the book, the water could possibly symbolize a means to how Mrs. Pontellier could become renewed.
Ps. I found two allusions to Madonna (pg 25 & 26). I think that’s funny.
From the beginning of the book, I found it somewhat interesting how the characters act and interact with each other. I think that Kate Chopin is trying to make a statement not only about these characters but actually about society in general in those times. Chopin writes, "He reproached his wife with her inattention, her habitual neglect of the children. If it was not a mother's place to look after children, whose on earth was it?" (18). Mr. Pontellier thinks this because his opinion on feminism is similar to most men of the time period. The idea that women can't be as good as men is certain aspects of life is central to the story and gives importance to Mrs. Pontellier, who strives to defy this established idea. Their relationship is a profound symbol of this prejudice and could be found all through America at this time in history.
"What's up with all the WATER in the book? What could it mean?"........
I believe that the water could symbolize renewal, or baptism. In "How to read literature like a professor", Foster tells us that water cleanses the soul, and causes it to become new. The water that surounds the cottages is foreshadowing to the inevitable, someone will be changed. I believe that Edna (Mrs. Pontellier) wants to start over new with her life, which is were Robert comes in. Along with the water from the sea, Robert will be her renewal in her love life. He will figuratively baptize her with his love.
i bet 10 bucks on it.
Also...
Chopin is foreshadowing that mixed emotions will occur between Robert and Edna. Robert claims that he is just attaching to Edna like he has to every other married woman over the summers. Robert has been warned that Edna may be taking him seriously, however he also denies this.
...what will happen?....idc
In repsonse to michael's statement, I completely agree. Chopin writes, "' You are burnt beyond reconition,' he added, looking at his wife as one looks at a valuable piece of personal property which has suffered some damage" (12). Chopin points out how prejudice Mr. Pontellier and the men of the time were towards women, looking at them as personal pieces of property. Throughout the rest of the chapter, the reader gets the idea that Mr. Pontellier's look on his wife is that of a piece of property in which he has complete and utter control over. This feeling demonstrated by Pontellier is Chopins way to express to the reader her feelings on one of the inner themes of man's inhumanity to woman throughout her novel.
I have no idea the significance of this, but the author seems to have a thing for Mrs. Pontellier being a man. In the beginning of the second chapter when describing Mrs. Pontellier, Chopin writes, "She was rather handsome than beautiful" (15). Handsome has a masculine connotation to it. Another time, when Mrs. Pontellier is found crying, Chopin states, "The mosquitoes made merry over her, biting her firm, round arms and nipping at her bare insteps" (18). What woman has "firm" arms?
After writing this, I'm not sure how sure I am of Chopin's trying to emulate this to the reader. If this were true, what significance would it have? All I can think of is that there is no mother for the Pontellier children.
Btw, if anyone (i.e. "I like big butts" boy) wants to give me crap back at school, check out some of the blog sites I've set up on blogspot. I believe you can click my profile name "blake" link and that will direct you to them. Last summer I tried making some extra cash through advertisements. I made somewhere around $30 until somehow Google Adsense decided my account with them should be banned.
As feelings and personalities are, water is ever changing and flowing. Chopin symbolizes this changing through the sea that surrounds the village. The changed feelings of Mrs. Pontellier from the beginning of her marriage to the present time of the novel can be represented by this flowing sea. The sea also shows the mystery that must occur to obtain the overall happiness for our lovely charecter, Mrs. Pontellier. This sea can serve as forshadowing for both of these things.
(that was in response to madonna and zack by the way, i forgot to mention)
In response to blakes comment on Chopins description of Mrs. Pontellier, i believe that Kate Chopin shows what she believes a true woman can achieve through the manly description of this charecter. She uses this description to show that women were equal to men, and can do the same things. This strength and manliness found in this woman show that there are no boundries set on women, but men, being the meanies they are, set prejudices and lines that women cannot break.
I think there are extremely deep meanings that can be found on the cover of this book, so some questions I have for everyone about the cover. About the bird in the cage: what about the significance of the little things. It's a BLACK cage made of some type of METAL with LEAVES, ROSES, and CLEAR BEADS. The cage is in the shape of a woman's body. There are no arms or legs shown. Nor is there a head. Why is this? Are woman powerless? How about the bird? What type of bird is it? What does that type of bird usually symbolize? Or maybe it's not the type of the bird? Maybe it's the black, grey, and white colors of the bird? How about all of the other parts of the front cover. There's an ocean with rolling waves and a shore and a woman's blank face. What does it all mean?! I wish I knew.
If anyone would like to take a gander at any of the above questions, I'm interested to hear your answers. I just pose the questions usually. I really don't have any answers for them...
(I know this doesn't count as a post, but to add on to what I just said...)
The bird in the cage is HEADLESS!! What's up with that?! There's got to be some significance in that.
i believe that the figure of the woman symoblizes a nuber of things. First off, i believe it shows that men had the power to shape and form women into what they wanted (the wire framing), leaving them with no heads (the power of opinion or thought), or no arms ( the power to work or change things). The roses found throughout the body show the dark beauty and mystery found in these shaped women. The leaves serve as another form of shelter women can find and a form of mysery, as the forest did in The Scarlet Letter. There you go blake i took the best gander i could at it.
i meant to say mystery"" in the last blog.
I found a passage that demonstrates the overall theme of the book. "Though, as everybody well knew, the doctor had forbidden her to lift so much as a pin!" (27). She picked up her kid! This passage goes along with the theme of women being made powerless. Mrs. Pontellier is a manly woman in the fact that she is strong. In my first post, I stated how the author said she has firm, round arms. I believe the author is trying to get across that woman are just as strong as men, but society makes them powerless, just as the doctor did here. I believe this one passage was made significant by the author giving it its "!" at the end! <--- see? That exclamation point just made my last sentence more significant :P
Looking at the title of the story, in chapter six, Edna is enlightened (she's beginning to have an "awakening"). Chopin writes, "A certain light was beginning to dawn deeply within her" (29). Kate also states, "In short, Mrs. Pontellier was beginning to realize her position in the universe as a human being, and to recognize her relations as an individual to the world within and about her" (29). This passage just states how she is beginning to be awakened to who she is and her purpose as an individual.
And as a side not, on the front cover, I find that the wide eyed, "blank-faced" woman is actually probably Edna AWAKENING!
In response to Blake's comment about the bird being in only the TORSO of the woman's body, I believe that the bird is strategically placed in this area because of the feelings that come about in this area of the body. The heart is located here and in this book, it seems as though Mrs. Pontellier is suffering from many different feelings associated with mainly lonliness. She is removed from her family and does not assume the "stereotypical" position that women are thought to have held during this time. She passes this responsibility on to her husband. It is evident that he gets frustrated with the situation with his wife.
In the first 8 chapters of this book, we see that Edna is troubled in the sense that she does not feel like she needs to be a good mother to her kids. She loves them, but she does not want to assume that stereotypical responsibility that a woman is said to have in that era. We see the interesting relationship with Edna and Robert and notice that this could be a sign of foreshadowing. However, in the fifth and sixth chapters we begin to see that the lonliness and blindness of what is going on around her. She sees how her realtionship with Robert could be deemed inappropriate. Also, she notices that her husband assumes the responsibilities of the caring, empathetic "motherly" figure. I agree with what Zach Weismiller said about having to choose paths, and in the end begins debating her decision of marrying her husband.
In response to Blake and Lawson, I believe the cover only shows a torso to demonstrate the strenghts of women. They may not be as physically strong as men, but they have strong emotions and feelings. In the setting, men were viewed as superior because they worked and supported families, but the emotions of the women are just as strong. For example, in the story Mr. Pontellier views his wife as more of property than a companion. He becomes annoyed when she doesn't care for the children and do the stereotypical duties of a woman. However, it doesn't phase her much, for she is strong, as the iron torso on the cover suggest.
In response to Missy’s comment, I don’t agree that the headless bird represents a strong Mrs. Pontellier. Rather, I believe it expresses her confusion with life. In chapter seven Chopin wrote, “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 outwards existence which conforms, the inward life which questions” (31). She wasn’t steadfast in how she lived, rather, she appeared confused. I think that the headless bird in the cage depicts Mrs. Pontellier’s body being trapped and not attached to her head which ran untamed.
Adding onto Blake's findings in chapter 6, I completely agree with the concept of Mrs. Pontellier's "awakening." She interprets her strange feelings of loneliness as becoming an individual and believing that she can defy the preset standards that are expected of her as a woman. Chopin writes, "How few of us ever emerge from such beginning! How many souls perish in its tumult!" (29). Mrs. Pontellier is in deep thought about why everyone blindly follows the same patterns of living that generations before them for no reason other than is expected. As Blake said, she begins to see herself as more of an individual with a better sense of purpose.
Chopin uses children as a vital symbol in understanding the characters throughout the first few chapters. Edna remarks, "I was a little unthinking child in those days, just following a misleading impulse without question... But do you know, sometimes I feel this summer as if I were walking through the green meadow again; idly, aimlessly, unthinking and unguided" (Chopin 33-34). She compares the ocean to the meadow; both appear mysterious yet appealing and provide an escape to everyday troubles. She begins by negatively commenting about the naive state of children, but by the end of her speech, Edna seems to be talking more to herself than anyone. She realizes that she misses that state and even still lives it. She goes against the norm of the day, failing to do her duties as an adult, such as taking care of her children. She instead wanders aimlessly in the metaphoric meadow and sea, living a life away from reality, for Edna always swims against the current.
In chapter 9, when Mademoiselle Reisz plays her music for Edna, it serves as a metaphoric baptism. Edna admits, "I wonder if I shall ever be stirred again as Mademoiselle Reisz's playing moved me to-night" (Chopin 47). She reveals that she has been been deeply affected by the music. Before the occurance, she was different, yet she needed companionship and the support of others. When she tried to swim she required a hand nearby. However, after she witnesses her baptism, she took a chance and swam on her own.
In addition, after she has immersed herself in the sea, it serves as a comfort to her. Although it is mysterious and represents the unknown, Edna feels at peace there, wishing to venture farther and farther. Chopin writes, "As she swam she seemed to be reaching out for the unlimited in which to lose herself" (46). Edna longs to be part of the sea, to witness its mystery and to be shielded by it. It saves her from the stereotypical world she lives in. This contains intertextuality to The Scarlet Letter. The sea is just like the forest, which protects Hester from the harsh world outside. It is dreary and enigmatic, yet it shields her like the sea does to Edna. Both serve as a barrier, and eventually each character rethinks their idea to be immersed in this environment. Hester wishes to be in the sunlight like everyone else. Edna sees her distance from the rest of the world and sees death before her, reaching back to clutch the land.
WOW!! I'm impressed by everyone's insightful comments. As the cycle begins to wrap up, make sure you post at least twice this week, so you don't have to scramble at the end to post all of your comments. Also, since you have done such a wonderful job, I am decreasing the total required posts to 10. This includes your original posts and responses to classmates. Let me know if you have any questions. See you soon!!
Going along with Missy's analysis of Mrs. Pontellier's "baptism" and awakening, I agree that Mrs. Pontellier is drastically changing to become much more of an individual. As Missy pointed out, immediately hearing Mademoiselle Reisz's music, Mrs. Pontellier attempts to swim without help and discovers how amazingly easy it is. Mrs. Pontellier says, "Why did I not discover before that it is nothing. Think of the time I have lost splashing about like a baby!" (46). This discovery is just one of the many that shape Mrs. Pontellier into an individual, breaking the previously-needed reliance on others.
Furthermore, this act of swimming in the ocean demonstrates an exxcellent example of the chapter "Geography Matters" in How to Read Literature Like A Professor. In this scene of people swimming at the beach, many symbols can be found in the geography to help convey Kate Chopin's message. The beach itself represents Mrs. Pontellier's normal life up to this point and the ocean represents a new era in Mrs. Pontellier's life, where she can escape the unwanted dependence on others, never being able to live her life on her own. As she is swimming and realizes it is quite easy and invigorating, she understands that all of her life can be lived in the same way. This geographical connection in the story to the symbols of Mrs. Pontellier's life create the powerful meaning behind this event in the story.
Kate Chopin's use of direct and indirect characterization of Mrs. Pontellier give the reader a clear and profound sense of the step towards indiviualism that she takes. In chapter 14, Mrs. Pontellier is reminiscing over the events of the summer and noticing how it had been a different experience for years past. Chopin writes, " She let her mind wander over her stay at Grand Isle; and she tried to discover wherein this summer had been different from any and every summer of her life...she was seeing with different eyes and making the acquaintance of new conditions in herself that colored and changed her environment" (62). Edna realized that she was the one that had changed, not the environment around her, showing how aware she was of her own "awakening." This example of direct characterization is commonly present throughout the novel, though indirect characterization is just as important. Acts such as going to the church service but being able to stay throughout as a result of Mrs. Pontellier's feeling of solicitude are equally significant in defining Mrs. Pontellier's new personality.
In response to Mrs. Lacey's comment, I must say that I agree one hundred percent, although your comment leaves one question unanswered: do we have to use correct grammar on this blog? I would assume that correct grammar is expected, but is it required for full credit. As this is a blog and not a formal essay, my opinion is that correct grammar, within reason, is not required. But yeah, thanks for the decrease in required questions!
In response to Blake's question, I think the headless bird bears much significance. First, I think it can represent the view of women of the time. Even today, the sexist stereotype of women is prevalent. The idea that women use passion and feelings instead of logic has kept board room tables full of men instead of women. If you have ever taken an anatomy class or paid attention in everyday life, you would notice that bird's brain resides in its head. The bird on the front cover has no head, and therefore, no brain. Because the law of conservation of matter says that matter cannot be created or destroyed, and because the head of the bird is not visible inside the cage, then the bird's head must be outside the cage that entraps it. This raises another question: Where is the bird's head?
I agree with Missy's original comment about the music of Mademoiselle Reisz. The music does seem as though it could be depicted as a baptismal occurance for Edna. She comes out of this experience as, what seems to be, a changed woman. Where before she needed a hand to guide her in everything that she did, she is now taking a chance and trying things on her own. She is becoming more comfortable with herself; this "baptism" served as an empowerment for herself. It made her more comfortable in her role in her family's life. It is evident that the music played by Mademoiselle Reisz deeply moves Mrs. Pontellier. Chopin writes, "But the very passions themselves were aroused within her soul, swaying it, lashing it, as the waves daily beat upon her splendid body. She trembled, she was choking, and the tears blinded her" (44). The music deeply moved her and made things deep inside Edna come to life again. These emotions have lain dormant in her soul. Edna's stern feelings about her role in her family have served as a barrier and obstacle for these dormant feelings to come out. The way she is seen by her husband as more of an object of posession rather than a companion serves as one of these obstacles.
In chapter 18, Mrs. Pontellier's newfound sense of her place in the world begins to affect her interactions with others. In this chapter, Mrs. Pontellier's conversation with Madame Ratignolle reveal how different the two women are; Madame Ratignolle acts as Mrs. Pontellier's foil in a way. More importantly, the chapter exhibits all five aspects of a "quest" as defined in How to Read Literature Like a Professor. To begin, Mrs. Pontellier is the quester and Ratignolle's house is the destination. Mrs. Pontellier's stated reason to visit Madame Ratignolle is to have her portfolio of sketches assessed in hopes of getting drawing lessons from Madame Ratignolle. She faces small challenges such as trying to make sense of her thoughts regarding Robert. In the end, the real reason for the quest is always self-knowledge as Thomas C. Foster says. Mrs. Pontellier actually goes seeking praise for her sketches but also to see how her friend lives. This is apparent as Mrs. Pontellier becomes depressed as she is leaving her friend's house. Mrs. Pontellier says, "She was moved by a kind of commiseration for Madame Ratignolle,-a pity for that colorless existence which never uplifted its possessor beyond the region of blind contentment" (80). Mrs. Pontellier realizes that Madame Ratignolle is a prime example of the saying "ignorance is bliss" because she hasn't had the awakening into a life of individualism that Mrs. Pontellier has experienced.
Continuing the conversation regarding the front cover, I agree that Will's observation of the bird is important, but in a different way. Because the bird and the woman-shaped cage both appear headless, the reader may seem confused as to why they are portrayed this way. I think that, because they have no head, it causes reader to see the bird and cage as strange and peculiar. Edna is perceived by everyone she encounters in this same sense, a strange woman that is dissimilar to the way that people expect her to be.
Keeping to Lawson's analysis of Mr. Pontellier's treatment of his wife, he is typical of this time period, treating her like an object instead of a person. When Mrs. Pontellier is defiant and disobeys her husband after being "awakened," Mr. Pontellier is stunned that his wife would ever act in that way. Chopin writes, "He could see plainly that she was not herself. That is, he could not see that she was becoming herself and daily casting aside that fictitious self which we assume like a garment with which to appear before the world" (82). Mr. Pontellier clearly sees his wife as an object with which he can do what he wants. When Mrs. Pontellier becomes her own person separate of her husband, he can't fathom what his wife has become, truly illustrating the prejudice against women in the early 20th century. Mr. POntellier even visits his family's doctor in chapter 22 inquiring as to how he can cure his wife of this drastic personality change. Mr. Pontellier is a great stock character in this literary work because of his antagonistic ways and blatant sexist beliefs in life.
As i flipped through the book today, i noticed something that i would like to bring to attention to everyone here. In the top corner of the first pages of the chapters, the book company shows our main character's eye closed at the start. As you page farther, the eye gradually opens up, which, in the end, eventually transforms into an open eye. I believe the book company did a good job symbolizing the "awakening" taking place throughout the novel through this discreet visual. This goes to show that you need to dig deeper in books to draw and conclude the true meanings hidden within.
Kate Chopin's use of coded sex in The Awakening is very important in the sense that coded sex is more powerful than a direct description as well as the idea that this act greatly advances the plot and causes a change in Mrs. Pontellier. The sex itself in the novel is not directly stated, but rather it is implied that Mrs. Pontellier and Robert had a better relationship than most people thought. In addition, the actual act is not as important as the other issues that arise from it: being more independent, living with guilt, and so on. This triggers even more change within Mrs. Pontellier. She is now doing more and more of what she wants and less of what she is expected according to traditional values. She also feels more free after the sexual encounters with Robert, though she is more troubled. The sexual acts in the story, whether for good or for bad, contribute substantially to the characters that Mrs. Pontellier is becoming.
Edna's newfound sense of individualism is a central component in the story, but it is also somewhat of a tragic flaw. She tries extremely hard to break free of the expectations of society, but when she finally does, she feels alienated and lonely. Chopin writes, "There was with her an overwhelming feeling of irresponsibility. There was shock of the unexpected and the unaccustomed...Above all, there was understanding. She felt as if a mist had been lifted from her eyes, enabling her to look upon and comprehend the significance of life, that monster made up of beauty and brutality" (117). when Mrs. Pontellier steps back and looks at the change that has occurred in her, she feels like an outcast. Society in this time period is designed in a way that women aren't given as much freedom, but they follow their expectations and can have some happiness in life. In this new world that Mrs. Pontellier finds herself in, she is alone with nobody to interact with in the ways that she wants. She gets her wish of being independent of society, but at the cost of being alone.
I definitely agree with Michael. I think Chopin adds coded sex throughout her novel because it adds more meaning than bluntly describing the activity. In chapter nine Chopin described Edna, “She waited in vain. She saw no pictures of solitude, of hope, of longing, or of despair. But the very passions themselves were aroused within her soul, swaying it, lashing it, as the waves daily beat upon her splendid body. She trembled, she was choking, and the tears blinded her.” Although it might sound farfetched, I believe that Chopin was not only describing how music was a means of escape for Mrs. Pontellier, but that It could be interpreted as form of deep intimacy with the music. This further exemplifies the importance of water and adds significance to music.
sorry im a little late, i have had so computer trouble and well just getting a late start, but im reading the book so let me start from the beggining. Zack Walsh i do agree with you when you say that the cover of the book is completely symbolic and that the cage is a symbol that traps the bird which is another symbol.
but aslo the bird can represent flight, just how Edna is getting out of this marriage and out of this house and this cage represents her struggle.
as far as other symbols in the novel, and i hope im right there is art which edna is trying self express herself but at the same time as shoing this individuality she is failing because she is not stong enough to pull through, in comparing her to a bird that her "wings are too weak" is how i thought of it.
how abotu like meal scenes, because there happenes to be a few in the novel and they seem to be after her miny kind of awakenings. the dinner in chap 30, "though edna had spoken of the dinner as a very grand affair, it was in truth a very small affair and very select, in so much as the guest invited were few and we selected with discrimination. she had counted upon an even dozen seating themselves at her round mahogany board,"(Chopin 123) This kinda of reminded me of the Last supper. How there were only the disciples and that was only few, and that they sat at a wooden table and it was said to be grand even though it was a gathering of common people selected through a long process to more or less eliminate the weak.
zach weismiller, i completely agree how you like the fact kate chopin illusrates the southern qualitly of life through the first part of the story and that she show the influence of her choices based on some of these factors.
to zack walsh,
the water i believe represents almost her escape its self. in the novel the main character learns to swim in the gulf and this helps her overcome what she is struggling against in the novel, and that is everything that is pushing her under the water, and now that she has learned to swim she is able to push passed the waves of insecurity.This happens in chap 10 when she finally is empowered and shouts for joy.
"The voice of the sea is seductive; never ceasing, whispering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander for a spell in abysses of solitude; to lose itself in mazes of inward contemplation," (chopin 29). this quote makes me think of the sea as a prying temptress and that it is calling to her. Since i believe the sea in ednas way out and her escape i think that in a way this not only helps her draw nearer to her ultimate goal but she is also learning valuable lessons in life along her journey such as swimming.
In addendum to the post I just had, I found more hidden sex. In the end of chapter ten Mrs. Pontellier is on the beach with Robert. Chopin described the scene with subtly but surely indicated sex. She described Mrs. Pontellier’s feelings towards Robert, “No multitude of words could have been more significant than those moments of silence, or more pregnant with the first-felt throbbing of desire,” And a few lines later, “Again she watched his figure pass in and out of the strips of moonlight as he walked” (48). This is the exact same type of situation we saw in sex chapter of How to Read Literature like a professor with the lady putting her keys in the bowl. The comment about Robert’s figure “passing in and out” of the moonlight fulfills the same idea. Chopin manipulated this scene with a sexual undertone to hint Mrs. Pontellier’s attraction to Robert. This is additionally important because it magnifies Edna’s already existing problems in her marriage.
“the years that are gone seem like dreams—if one might go on sleeping and dreaming—but to wake up and find—oh! well! Perhaps it is better to wake up after all, even to suffer, rather than to remain a dupe to illusions all one's life,”
(chopin 154).
1. is this the underlying message? moral?
2. i think that she is saying she wouuld rather suffer with in real life than to stay somber in this dream of illusions that keeps a restrictions on ones life. she is almost comfirming her "awakening" as good even though it made her suffer some.
3. if this is not the moral than forget evertything i just said and move on!! ha.
personally richie i dont see the "sex" i thought they sat on the porch in silence and really silence can saw alot if you think about it.
hah isnt that right luke,
as bre would say "if this silence could speak what would it say?"
does the lady in black represent like depression and like beign a widow? because if she is depressed this is how it is "socailly acceptable" to show in public? maybe am i on the right track?
Olivia, I’m not quite sure what you are saying. Luke? Bre? I see your point though about not understanding what I saw. Like I said it was a little farfetched.
Anyway, since you are online on a Friday night with no life just like me what do you think about what Mrs. Pontellier said on page 44, “I have always said no one could play music like Chopin like Mademoiselle.” I really don’t think that it has much significance to the book. I just think it’s funny that the authors name is Chopin and apparently so is some famous Polish musician. I wonder if they were related.
P.s. Im so happy that I have nothing better to do with my night than read English.
ednas clothes.
she, throughtout the novel strips down bare in search of her true inner self.
she starts with full clothing and by the end she is naked?? is this a physical representaion of her inner feeling? when fully clothed she is responded the the regulation of society and she is following the normal woman look, as she is changing and uncovering her true person she uncovers her body portraying a message that she is trying to relfect her inner self.
i dont want to say the end of the story because no one else has blogged about it and i dont want to give it away if people havent completely finished the novel, but i have to say in a way i was surprised but also not because it was kind of foreshadowing through her suffering most of the time.
dear richie,
i do believe it has a little significane because madonmoiselle is like really good at music according to few in the novel and that it is almost like required of ladies to play the paino in the novel. but any way yeah there really is a musican with that name and it the same name as the auther, here wait i will look it up and see if they are related in any way.sorry i dont think they are related, i couldnt find anythign to support if they were or not. haha lol.
ps i think it is funny that we just used this blog as a chat room thingyy not for english.
in the beggining of the novel the bird repeatedly states, "Go Away! Go Away! For Gods sake." and this we know from the last pages in the novel because it is not in english and we have to look it up. but in a sense since the bird is repeating it, i think it was a sign of foreshadowing for the tragic end of the novel. the bird i feel is a reflection of ednas mind and how she is really thinking. thinking to go away and get away not only for gods sake, but for her own. and this helps tell her tale and journey from a promising point of veiw and almost gives the reader false hope and in the end her solution is her ultimate downfall.
In How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Foster discusses how water is very symbolic. Throughout The Awakening, Chopin refers to this symbol through the use of the sea. Chopin writes, "The voice of the sea speaks to the soul. The touch of the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace" (29). As Edna is mystified by the sea, she is enlightened. The sea "speaks to her soul". As Chopin writes, she explains that the sea is speaking to Edna's soul, telling her that there is a better life out there and her soul could really be at peace. The sea is ever changing and flowing, making the point to Edna that life is more than she is experiencing and her soul is trapped and motionless, unlike this ever flowing, free sea. The peaceful sea's touch is sensuous to Edna, symbolizing the warmth and hospitality felt in this changed life.
In response to Joe's most recent post
(relative to this one)
I also noticed the symbolism of water throughout the book. In the beginning of the book, Edna mentions that she is confined to her house more than she would like to be. As the book progresses and Edna begins her "awakening", she spends more and more time on the beach; a sort of halfway point between the land (confinement) and the sea (freedom). When Edna feels fully free, she finds her final release fully engulfed in the water.
With the ongoing question pertaining to the symbolism on the cover, I found a quote that I thought helped explain the figure. Chopin describes, "Mrs. Pontellier was not a woman given to confidences, a characteristic hitherto contrary to her nature. Even as a child she had lived her own small life all within herself. At a very early period she had apprehended instinctively the duel life-that outward existence which conforms, the inward life which question" (31). From her early life, Edna's life has been split into two parts, the outside, which conforms to the way man wants it, and the inside, which questions what if? The figure on the cover of the book shows these arguing feelings of our main character. The outer wire figuring backs up this idea of conformity to man, symbolizing the shaped figures of women of the time. The trapped bird inside symbolizes the inner life that questions why by showing the inner questions of women waiting for the chance to soar out, being held back in by the lack of a head and openings too small (boundaries set by men). The lack of a visible head on this bird also symbolizes the headlessness or lack of true knowledge behind these women's questions on life, questions in which today we look at as common sense. Chopin mentions that Edna has always lived her life within herself as this figure does, having its soul trapped within and its beauty (the roses) engulfed in blackness (men's boundaries).
The whole idea of this blog thing wouldn't be nearly as bad if computers weren't so distracting. There's simply too much to be done on the internet that makes it difficult to click on the bookmark for this website when there a hojillion other bookmarks that actually are important. (not that this isn't important, but off-cycle reading has a pretty low priority in my book)
Anyway, to solve this problem, I've decided to simply make a series of comprehensive posts in one sitting that covers a large majority of the novel that deals with symbolism in certain chapters (three chapters per post).
Chapters 1-3
Here in the opening chapters of the novel, Kate Chopin is relating the characters and setting of the novel to the reader. Symbolism and characterization is likely to go hand in hand in these chapters, as it does when Chopin writes about Mr. Pontellier's remark to his wife, "'You are burnt beyond recognition,' he added, looking at his wife as one looks at a valuable piece of personal property which has suffered some damage" (12). There were many ways in which Chopin could have expressed Leonce Pontellier's dissatisfaction with his wife's action, but being the raconteur Chopin is, she chose to use the words personal property. With this unusual choice of words, the reader, once on the second page of the novel, (and who is dumb enough to have read this far) can already perceive Mr. Pontellier's view of what a wife is to her husband in this time period.
Chapters 4-6
Chopin writes, “In short, Mrs. Pontellier was not a mother woman. … They were women who idolized their children, worshiped their husbands, and esteemed it a holy privilege to efface themselves as individuals and grow wings as ministering angels” (21). Chopin’s description of Edna serves two purposes that are distinctly different. One is to further differentiate Edna from the other women on Grand Isle, and the other is form the basis for the conflict Edna has against society. She does not wish to be restrained to simply watching children and being wholly devoted to her husband. Throughout the novel, Edna is described not as beautiful, but as handsome. We pamper those who are beautiful. Handsome has a sort of rough or individualistic connotation to it. She is a very independent woman in a time when woman were not allowed to own property or business (except under certain circumstances).
In chapter 5, Chopin illustrates Robert Lebrun and Mrs. Pontellier’s close relationship. Chopin relates this closeness as Madame Ratignolle, Robert, and Edna are all together one summer afternoon. Chopin writes, “They formed a congenial group… Madame Ratignolle sewing away, often stopping to relate a story or incident with much expressive gesture of her perfect hands; Robert and Mrs. Pontellier sitting idle, exchanging occasional words, glances or smiles which indicated a certain advanced stage of intimacy and camaraderie” (25). This shows a married woman (specifically, Mrs. Pontellier) and the beginnings of her intimacy with another man. Furthermore, it shows the distance between Mr. and Mrs. Pontellier, and Mrs. Pontellier’s preference for Robert. Mrs. Pontellier finds in Robert someone who is willing to sit down and talk. No where in the novel can you find Leonce and Edna talking just for the sake of talking. Rather, you will find Mr. Pontellier criticizing Edna for her latest mistake.
Okay, I've given up on the whole, "comprehensive, chapter by chapter" analysis. Instead I'm going to elaborate on specific symbols throughout the novel. Starting with water and the ocean.
The ocean is a prominent landmark in the novel. It seperates Grand Isle and New Orleans, presenting a sort of barrier between the two different worlds. Life on Grand Isle is very different from town. On Grand Isle, it seems to me that the upper class reside there as a retreat during summer. Those who are highest on the social ladder have a tendency to conform the best to whatever is typical and uniform. What was typical at the time for wives was to be subservient and obedient. This situation placed Edna in a world which was something that she was not comfortable with, as she is too individualistic a person to thrive in a servant's position. When she left Grand Isle to her regular abode, she was exposed to city life once again, where idealistic people envision women to be equal. Just to be in this environment is comforting to Edna.
Once Edna learns to swim, she crosses this barrier. After she has swam through this barrier, I think the ocean becomes a catalyst for change. Before her swim, she was relatively complacent with her position. In chapter 7 (before the swim) she went on a walk along the beach with Madame Ratignolle. They both wore white, a color of good (and not evil) that shows Mrs. Pontellier's imitation and even acceptance of Madame Ratignolle's role model behavior.
After the swim Edna is much more antagonistic of her husband, more distant with her female friends, (with the exception of Mademoiselle Reisz) and closer with Robert.
The houses in which Edna lives in represent a progression in Edna's independence as a person. The cottage at Grand Isle is the first the house that the reader is exposed to during this novel. Surrounded by the geographical barrier of the ocean, Edna is has no choice but to embrace the ideals of the other women around her. Once in town however, she is exposed to the wide diversity of people who live there. Not physically meeting them, but just to be in town gives her more control to explore the world around her. She is still tied to Mr. Pontellier in the house on Esplanade Street however, where she is showered with expensive gifts and such. This is a daily reminder to Edna of Leonce's pseudo devotion, so Edna leaves the house and moves to the pigeon house. Here is where she is fully developed as an individual, free from Mr. Pontellier and the children, and given the chance to live the way she wants.
In chapter 32, Edna's increased sense of individuality is still rising, giving her an even different understanding of the world. After she moves into a new home, she has taken a larger step in becoming a person to do what she wants and not of what is expected. SHe felt that the house she now lived in better reflected who she was and how she wished to live her life. Chopin writes, "Every step which she took toward relieving herself from obligations added to her strength and expansion as an individual. She began to look with her own eyes; to see and to apprehend the deeper undercurrents of life" (132). Earlier in the story, Mrs. Pontellier began to change, but it wasn't as urgent then as it is to her now. NOw she tries to break away from everyday life in every way she can because she truly feels free and unrestrained from living her life in a way that shes sees fit.
during chapter twelve, we start to notice more of the "secret" relationship between edna and robert. edna realizes that she has called for robert, and has awoke him and had him come with her on the boat. Chopin write about how edna realizes she has never called on him before and has never really wanted him around, but yet she has just recently called for him, why?
well later in the chapter robert wants to go to an island with edna to watch the wriggling gold snakes and the lizards sun bath, this is a secret because he whispers it to her.
she realizes that she would not really mind if they went to the top of this island together or alone.
this is foreshadowing in the relationship hopefully to come in the next portion of the novel.
kevin i agree that when i am trying to blog that i get very distracted by other item on my page. so i feel you. but im trying very hard to focus my attention.
As the readers progress through the novel, the ongoing theme of mans inhumanity to women becomes more and more evident. Chopin describes, "'You are too lenient, too lenient by far, Leonce,' asserted the Colonel. 'Authority, coercion are what is needed. Put your foot down good and hard; the only way to manage a wife. Take my word for it.' The Colonel was perhaps unaware that he had coerced his own wife into her grave. Mr. Pontellier had a vague suspicion of it which he thought it needless to mention at that late day" (99). Chopin blunty comes out and tells the readers the thoughts she believed all men had during this time. She demonstrates how the overall death of women were brought about by this dominance factor men believed they had over women. Edna's father believes Mr. Pontellier is too lenient on his wife and believes that he should have a tighter leash on her, not allowing her to have her own opinion and having the right to argue.
As Edna continues her life post Robert's departure, she gradually realizes how empty she is. Chopin demonstrates, "She did not mean her husband; she was thinking of Robert Lebrun. Her husband seemed to her now like a person whom she had married without love as an excuse" (107). Edna has finally realized that her "marriage" was not right. Love was never present in this current relationship as it is with her and Robert's. When Robert was taken away from her, Edna came to the conclusion that her husband that provides for her, cares for her well being, and puts a roof over her head is not good enough. She has fallen for a man who falls for every woman out there. Chopin describes this transformation in this chapter and shows Edna's true feelings as of now.
Chopin describes Edna's true beauty throughout the book and illustrates how pure and amazing she can be. She writes, "'Ah! here comes the sunlight!' exclaimed Mademoiselle, rising from her knees before the stove. "Now it will be warm and bright enough; I can let the fire alone" (110). Despite the despair and ragged condition Edna is in, Chopin shows how she brings the light into the darkest of places. This symbolism used with the light can demonstrate Edna's true beauty which is held back in the company of many, such as her husband. As the light is used in The Scarlet Letter as a symbol, it is used in The Awakening.
Replying to anyone's explanation on the symbolism on the sea, I would like to point out that yes, the sea symbolizes the freedom and the calling of change to Edna, but it can also symbolize nature's final judgement on society. The sea took away Edna's true love and led him far away. It showed her that not everything can be in her control at all times and that she is going to eventually have to grow up, learn what love is, and get over the fact that she cannot have everything. This "awakening" of Edna's is one of the many that occur to her throughout the novel, and shows that the sea symbolizes not only her freedom and choice, but her "cage" and the true distance that separates the lovers.
As you finish up your postings, make sure your comments are respectful and pertinent to the assignment. Some recent comments have not been appropriate or college-level analysis.
the reason for ednas unhappy marriage is because this marriage was an accident. Chopin writes "it was the midst of her secret great passion that she met him. He fell in love, as men are in the habit of doing, and pressed his suit with earnestness and an ardor which left nothing left to be desired. He pleased her; his absolute devotion flattered her,"
(35). edna as we can tell did not marry out of love but out of lust. she had to learn to grow fond of her husband and children. she never trold anyone about her unhappy marriage and how it had come about. unlikely for her to spill her inner thoughts edna accidently revealed some of what she was think about, mainly her marraige to leonce, chopin writes, "like a first breathe of freedom,"(35). and this is finally when she realizes she is un happy and after we find that edna is finaly realizing her place in this world.
Throughout the novel, Chopin includes several meals which seem to have no significance. However, as Foster hypothesized in How to Read Literature like a Professor, a meal is never just a meal. Specifically, the meal in Chapter 24 seems to hold a great deal of significance. Chopin writes, “That night Edna dined alone. The candelabra, with a few candles in the center of the table, gave all the light she needed. Outside the circle of light in which she sat, the large dining-room looked solemn and shadowy. The cook, placed upon her mettle, served a delicious repast-a luscious tenderloin broiled a point. The wine tasted good; the marron glace seemed to be just what she wanted. It was so pleasant, too, to dine in a comfortable peignoir” (100-101). Foster commonly described meals as communion, usually between two or more people. This instance of Edna’s solitary dining also displays communion, though. Her outer façade is being joined with the woman inside of her. Her individuality is coming through to the outside. Her two personalities, one of strong individualism and one of conformity, are merging into one reflecting much of her inner self.
Throughout my reading of this book I have become fascinated by minute details. This new attraction of mine might have been provoked by my lack of interest in the actual book. Regardless, I found Chopin’s diction interesting. For example, its peculiar how she spells goodbye “good-by” and when she refers to the dinner table she says “table” rather than “the table.” I am so sure why she actually writes like this other than maybe that’s how people wrote during that time. Or maybe she is trying to be different. Does anyone have an idea?
In chapter 21 Edna is with Mademoiselle Reisz discussing letters from Robert. While I was reading this I felt like Mademoiselle Reisz was not being amiable towards Edna with her harsh comments about how letter is only between the person who writes it and the person who receives it. In my opinion, this was a jerk move because Edna clearly wanted to know what was happening with Robert. With reluctance, Mademoiselle Reisz did eventually give into Edna. A little while after this Mademoiselle Reisz was playing the piano. Chopin described her figure, “The lines of her body settled into ungraceful curves and angles that gave it an appearance of deformity” (89). This reminded me of Chillingworth in The Scarlet Letter. His wretched deformity symbolized his evil nature. I think Chopin is using this description of Mademoiselle Reisz to possibly foreshadow evil events which she may orchestrate.
I know this might be a little late in comments, but I'm going through the chapters and trying to catch up.
Chapters 9-12 start to present a new outlook on Robert and Enda's relationship together. In chapter 12 Chopin writes, "She gazed away toward Grande Terre and thought she would like to be alone there with Robert, in the sun, listening to the ocean's roar and watching the slimy lizards writhe in and out among the ruins of the old fort" (55). Chopin is illustrating to her readers just how close Robert and Enda are, and that Enda is starting to get used to his presense. Throughout chapter 11, Edna and Leonce's relationship starts to further separate with Enda's stubbornness. She acts "anti-Creole" by disobeying Leonce's commands of coming inside from the hammock, and further defies Mr. Pontellier by staying outside all night. We start to see his anger when at the end of chapter 11 he remains outside to finish his cigar, and Enda goes inside to bed.
In his book, How to Read Literature like a Professor, Thomas Foster implied that there is never a truly unique work of literature. The aspect of unhappy or dull marriages is stressed in the novel. For this reason, intertextuality exists between The Awakening and Pride and Prejudice. Each displays marriages that seem forced and awkward and characters that have been united for reasons other than love. As other classmates have noted, the Pontelliers are obviously not truly in love. Mr. Pontellier views his wife as more of an object, and gets upset when she doesn’t do her daily, stereotypical tasks. Giving advice to the distressed husband, Edna’s father offers, “Put your foot down good and hard; the only way to manage a wife. Take my word for it” (Chopin 99). His words summarize the common views of women. Similarly, Edna doesn’t truly love her husband. He serves as a sort of security blanket for her, there for status. In Pride and Prejudice, the female characters worry only about class status and finances in marriage. They want land and money and aren’t concerned with love. The men only want a new piece of property to show off and to raise their level in society.
The "false hope" that the bird symbolizes as it yells "Go Away!" in the beginning of the book could be an example of irony. The author projects a feeling with the bird that the story is going to end happily with Edna "going away". Due to this, the outcome is not expected and the author has succeeded in creating irony.
Chopin writes, “She had all her life long been accustomed to harbor thoughts and emotions which never voiced themselves. They had never taken the form of struggles. They belonged to her and were her own, and she entertained the conviction that she had a right to them and that they concerned no one but herself” (70-71). This quote demonstrates the internal conflict of Edna. She is leading a duel life consisting of a free spirit and a conforming, stereotypical outer shell. As her inner self begins to surface, everyone around her remarks how she is changing. However, it is ironic because the reader knows that she has always been independent inside her own thoughts. She’s never been as conformed as all the other women of her time. Her duties are often overlooked and ignored, and her mind wanders away from reality often.
I know i'm definitely behind so i'm working on catching up here:
In the beginning of chapter 12 we immediately see an unusual occurance with Edna. The relationship that Edna and Robert share is one that crosses many boundries throughout the duration of this novel. In the firsts paragraphs of Ch. 12 Chopin writes, "He had soon joined her. She had never sent for him before. She had never asked for him. She had never seemed to want him before. She did not appear concious that she had done anything unusual in commanding his presence" (53). This quote is the epitome in explaining the relationship between Edna and Robert. The feelings and associations that came about in the mentioning of Robert's name, were pushed aside by Edna. However, this paragraph condradicts this in that, when Edna went to Robert's house call upon him to go to the "Cheniere". This was something the she nad never found herseld doing. She was the one that Robert was always infatuated with, and HE was the one who did the following. Edna realizing that SHE had suddenly switched roled with Robert in this instance shocked her in the sense that maybe these feelings she had been pushing aside and these advances that Robert had been making on her, were now having an effect?
I would like to expand on Missy's previous post by citing page 31 as Chopin writes, "At a very early period she (Mrs. Pontellier) had apprehended instinctively the dual life-that outward existence which conforms, the inner life which questions" (31). Mrs. Pontellier may do as her upbringing has taught her, but she secretly wishes to be beyond that. This also showcases an example of intertextuality between novels. I am reminded of Fahrenheit 451 as Guy Montag and Edna Pontellier both begin to question their society and the role that they play in the "wrongdoing" (in the protagonists perspective) that their society promotes. This creates a conflict in both Montag and Pontellier (as Missy pointed out) within their own mind as they struggle to understand their position in society.
Mademoiselle Reisz says, "The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have stron wings. It is a sad spectacle to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth" (Chopin 116). This metaphor directly relates to Edna's situation. She has admitted to loving Robert, and he is soon coming to visit. If Edna really wishes to love him, she must be strong. The ground represents the norm of their society. She must remain tough against it and fly high where the ground of society cannot influence her anymore. Otherwise she will crash back down and get sucked back into the conformity like quicksand.
During my "vacation", I have been going over parts that I previously have read, and I have noticed more symbolism than before (also, my space bar is not functioning properly, so there may be a few words spliced together on accident. I would like to apologize in advance for any spacing mistakes i look over). In chapter nine, after reading the name and description of "Solitude", the song Miss Reisz plays, I found significance in the imagery that Edna gets from the song. Chopin writes, "When she heard it there came before her imagination of a 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" (43-44). In this section, I believe that the naked man represents Edna, because after she is married to Mr. Pontellier, the person she was or wanted to be disappears and flies away, much like the bird in the quote. The bird, as I have already stated, symbolizes the female freedom Chopin lobbies for throughout the novel. The name of the strain and the island the naked man are tied together. The man on the rock is alone, in solitude, which represents the position of a woman of the time. A high class woman could not have a job, or provide for herself in any way, and thus, her identity is also stripped (her clothes).
When Robert and Edna were on their way to "Cheniere", they were talking and laughing as old friends should, correct? However, when Chopin states, "'Wasn't it enough to think of going to the Cheniere and waking you up?' she laughed. 'Do I have to think of everything?'- as Leonce says when he's in a bad humor. I dont blame him; he'd never be in a bad humor if it weren't for me'"(54). It is at this moment when the reader see the drop in stubborness that Edna has portrayed all along. Up until this point, we saw her stand her ground with the kind of mother and wife that she is. She is not a hands-on mother (so we are led to believe), and she is an even less involved wife. However, when Edna brings Mr. Pontellier into this discussion with Robert, we see her vulnerability level rise drastically with one comment. When she says, "I don't blame him; he'd never be in a bad humor if it weren't for me" (54). We see that Edna has seen in herself what her husband has been seeing all along. She realizes that her marriage, no matter how much they fabricate the truth, is failing and does not seem strong enough to withstand the advancement of Robert's actions and feelings towards Edna.
I completely agree with Kevin's parallel to Fahrenheit 451, and I also noticed a comparison to 1984. The people controlled by The Party aren't allowed to think for themselves. Similarly, Edna's emotions aren't allowed to be free. She is expected to do her jobs and stay quiet and pretend to be happy with her husband. Inside, however, she wishes to be free with Robert. Each character, Winston and Edna come very close to breaking the norm. However,they fail.
Each failure occurs for "the best". Winston is transformed into a perfectly good, law-abiding citizen, for the Party believes turmoil would be released if people could think for themselves. Robert leaves Edna, for he is concerned about her children and what is best for them and even Edna herself.
I disagree with Richie's post about Mademoiselle Reisz. I believe that the quote from the novel that you cited (page 89) was used by Chopin to serve as a foil to the rest of the women in this novel. To draw further from Fahrenheit 451, I think Mademoiselle Reisz is akin to Faber, the eccentric and unusual character in the book who is on the fringe of society. Mademoiselle Reisz was first introduced into the novel as in Chapter 9 as she was asked to play for Edna at a party. Mademoiselle Reisz shows her affection for Edna as she says, “You are the only one worth playing for. Those others? Bah!” (44). The music that Mademoiselle Reisz creates draws from the passion that is felt by the artist. This same music invokes in Edna the tumultuous mix of feelings that Edna feels in her lost feelings. Ultimately, I think that Mademoiselle Reisz mindset is very similar to Edna’s. The passion that Mademoiselle Reisz draws from is from a similar past to Edna’s. If Edna were to be the middle ground, and Leonce were to be on the conformity end of the spectrum, then Mademoiselle Reisz would represent the esoteric end of the spectrum.
I would like to take a moment to draw attention to my profile picture. If you haven't guessed, it isn't a picture of myself, but instead a picture of Kevin Tanner. Isn't that expression precious? I think so. Anyway...
I agree with Madonna (Ms.McGovern) that the water is very important in the story. The part where Edna finally learns to swim serves as a baptism and a internal realization. Before she gets in the water, Edna couldn't swim, but more importantly, couldn't express her true self. Chopin writes, "But that night she was like the little tottering, stumbling, clutching child, who of a sudden realizes its powers, and walks for the first time alone, boldly and with over-confidence" (Chopin 46). After her midnight swim, Edna is an entirely different person. She is a free thinker, more open and optimistic, and also more stubborn. Swimming at night is a very dangerous activity, so I do not think Ms. Chopin would include such an act without reason. The difference between light and dark is important in this section, because Edna's realization and change occurred internally instead of externally. The time of day helps to sell this idea. In conclusion, this section is a point of change where Edna goes from solitary mother to free woman.
Recently, both Olivia and Richie discussed a siginificant event of chapter 10. To clarify, Chopin stated, "He seated himself again and rolled a cigarette, which he smoked in silence. Neither did Mrs. Pontellier speak. No multitude of words could have been more significant than those moments of silence, or more pregnant with the first-felt throbbings of desire," (48). I both agree and disagree with Olivia and Richie. Before Robert and Edna came to the peace of the porch, they and many other families gathered for talk, entertainment, and dessets; in short, Foster would have identified the families to be sharing in an act of communion. The families followed up the bread breaking with a group swim and finally (after Edna's important swim many have already touched on) Edna and Robert found themselves with more alone time. I believe that Robert's cigarette rolling and Mrs. Pontellier's agreeable silence serve as a unique version of "the dope they smoked afterward". The silent moments of companionship and smoke they shared strengthened their bond and invoked the desire to create a sexual relationship, though they didn't have sex that night.
In the thirteenth chapter, when Edna is in the church, she begins to be overcome with feeling and emotion and is forced to leave the service. In my opinion, this sudden "illness" that overcomes her is due to the guilt that she feels about realizing her feelings that have come about for Robert. When one attends church it is often a time of confession and a time when one asks for forgiveness for something he/she is ashamed of. Or, in Edna's case, something that she has done her best to conceal and convince herself that it not relevant. I believe that during her time in church, Edna has realized that her relations with Robert have become far more advanced than she had ever hoped they would. She sees herself as a woman of staunch morality and does not ever see or FEEL the effects of these relations. She lies to herself until she is foreced to face it in a place where one cannot hide secrets and feelings any longer. They begin to seep out and you are forced to face them. In the thirteenth chapter, Chopin writes, "'I felt giddy and almost overcome,' Edna said, lifting her hands instinctively to her head and pushing her straw hat up from her forehead. 'I couldn't have stayed through the service...'"(57).
In chapter 15, Kate Chopin describes the departure of Robert from Grand Isle. She talks about the emotions Edna experiences from this suprising news, and elaborates in chapter 16 more on how much she misses and remembers Robert. Also, in chapter 16, Chopin describes Mademoiselle Reisz and her pecuilarness from the rest of the community. The ocean is used as a symbol to represent a recreational event, or even obligation for the people at Grand Isle. They migrate to the ocean-side to swim, play, and congregate with their fellow peers, but Mademoiselle Reisz chooses to opt out of these events. She instead chooses to keep to herself and work on her musical talents.
In response to Missy's most recent post
I've noticed some intertextuality in the book as well. Edna feels that she is living two different kinds of lives. On the inside, she lets herself be a free-thinker and challenges the strict social caste of victorian times. On the outside however, Edna fits herself into the societal mold and unquestioningly conforms, as women were "supposed to do" during the times. This idea is similar to the concept of "double-think" in 1984 by George Orwell. Characters in 1984 used double-think to believe and idea that they knew conflicted with what they believe. As in 1984, the protagonists dual life or double-think starts to break down and they become more aware of the world.
I agree with Zach W's most recent post concerning Edna's act of defiance involving the hammock. To expand on his comment, I believe Chopin desired for that event to be distinguished in her novel as Edna's first act of "awakened" thinking after her Awakening or Baptism in the sea. Chopin emphasized, "She wondered if her husband had ever spoken to her like that before, and if she had submitted to his command. Of course she had; she remembered that she had. But she could not realize why or how she should have yielded, feeling as she then did," (52). It was at that moment in the novel that she realized her husband's expectance of her obediance, and she realized it even more so in his reaction decision to remain outdoors with and after her to proclaim his dominance as her husband. However, she did not let his reaction hinder her decision to go out or remain in, and would never again let his iron will influence her decisions.
Sorry, I ment his post before that! I was too slow typing up my response.
One important thing I want to comment on is the major theme in the novel, the Creole style culture throughout southern Louisiana. Through particular customs and manners, Edna and the rest of the community expresses a certain type of living. Chopin describes, "She could speak no English, but when Robert made her understand that the lady who accompained him was ill and desired to rest, she was all eagerness to make Edna feel at home and to dispose of her comfortably" (58). This quote expresses Southern hospitality and the unknown Creole culture.
I, too, agree with the thoughts of Missy, Richie, Brittany and all others who have touched upon this idea. Edna and Robert have indeed engaged in a "sexual" relationship. Without actually having them committ this act, Kate Chopin implies to the readers within the vivid dialogue between Edna and Robert. She goes on to exemplify this idea when she writes, "She waited in vain. She saw no pictures of solitude, of hope, of longing, or of despair. But the very passions themselves were aroused within her soul, swaying it, lashing it, as the waves daily beat upon her splendid body. She trembled, she was choking, and the tears blinded her" (44). As Michael brought up when talking about this idea, he stated that speaking about sex in a coded way conveys to the reader a stronger feelings about the relations that are going on. By not coming out and having her two characters engage in sexual acts, the reader sees the longing and desire that the two have for each other. But, because of Edna's marriage they are not able to engage in these activities without conseqences, and, frankly, Edna is not ready to accept those consequences and make that sacrifice. Furthermore, this idea brings about a new role for Mr. Pontellier in this story. Even though the Pontellier's are not happy together and do not have a strong and fulfilling marriage, there are still boundries that should not be crossed when it comes to the relationship of Edna and Robert. Because of their marraige, Edna and Robert are not able to engage in the kind of relationship that both of them want.
In response to Will's post about his profile picture, I would like to divert everyone's attention from their books as they hastily put up posts to my profile picture. It is not a depiction of the profile user either, rather, it is ChimChar. I have given him strict orders to find Will's computer and burn it. So let's all forget about Will's existence entirely.
Children are symbols that appear often throughout Chopin's literary work and I believe they impressed a change upon Mrs. Pontellier. In chapter three, it became known that Mrs. Pontellier possesed a habit of neglecting her children. However, in chapter thirty-two, Mrs. Pontellier was surprisingly incredibly happy while visiting her children while they were at their relatives' country home and depressed when she left them for home. In the following chapter, Chopin related, "Before leaving Madame Ratignolle said: "In some way you seem to me like a child, Edna. You seem to act without a certain amount of reflection which is necessary in this life...," (135-136). I believe Edna's newfound trait of stubborn defiance is a trait she came to have in common with the naive children of the novel. What children want, they will irrationally fight for if denied. Therefore, I believe their influence upon Mrs. Pontellier to explain her changed opinion of children and her depression when she left them and believed herself alone.
Regardless of that brief escapade;
I would like to draw attention to something in the story that we can all relate to: children.
After she moves out of her home on Esplanade Street and moves into her pigeon house, she briefly visits with her children who have been staying with Madame Pontellier (presumably Mr. Pontellier's mother). I think that the idea that Mrs. Pontellier is always happy when around her children is incontrovertible. At the very end of the novel, she thinks of her children as she (Edna)says, "To-day it is Arobin; to-morrow it will be some one else. It makes no difference to me, it doesn't matter about Leonce Pontellier-but Raoul and Etienne!" (159). Edna had spoken to Mrs. Ratignolle earlier in the novel about children and sacrifice, and that Edna would give anything to save her children, except herself. When Edna talks about herself, she really does mean the physical embodiment of Edna that is her body. What happens at the end of the novel is the casting off of the restrictions that her children have placed upon her.
In the beginning of this novel, we all noticed and have commented on the fact that Edna does not SEEM TO BE a hands on mother. She is described as being a non-stereotypical wife and mother. She leaves the caring of her children to her husband rather than assuming that responsibility for herself. However, this is contradicted in the fourteenth chapter when Chopin writes, "Edna took him in her arms, and seating herself in the rocker, began to coddle and caresshim, calling him all manner of tender names, soothing him to sleep"(61). Chopin uses this passage as a contradictory statement to give her character dimension. It is used to indirectly characterize Edna and to show the reader, that along with the other changes that have occured in Edna's character, this too has changed. Edna has changed from being perceived as a non-committal mother and does not assume the motherly responsibilities to a mother that suddenly has the effect on her children to soothe them to sleep and relax them. We begin to see her becoming involved in her children's lives.
I agree with Lawson on the idea of a "sexual" relationship having been established between Edna and Robert, but I believe Mr. Pontellier's "dream relationship" resides solely on Edna's actions. Mr. Pontellier believes in his wife being completely devoted to her family and husband, but Edna's "Awakening" is breaking them apart. As Edna starts to sketch and disregarding her duties, Mr. Pontellier starts becoming irritated and unsatisfied. He thinks she is completely disregarding her family and becoming selfish in her individualistic actions. Also, as described in chapter 19, Edna sees Madame Ratignolle's perfect relationship and then starts to question the way her marriage is turning out.
The realtionship that we see changing into something bigger and bigger and the story progresses, is further solidified with the Robert's decision to go to Mexico. Edna becomes very upset and does not even wish to say good-bye to Robert. She is so furious with his decision to go at such short notice, that Robert realizes that he must go to her to say good bye. Chopin illustrates, "Edna's face was a blank picture of bewilderment, which she never thought of disguising. He lifted his eyebrows with the pretext of a smile as he returned her glance. He looked embarrassed and uneasy"(63). Edna was in complete shock when she was told that Robert was going to Mexico. She had become so accustomed to Robert's presence that she could not fathom him not being there. Now, she would have to be faced with the challenge of concealing her true feelings for Robert with his absence from her life.
About the end of the novel;
We should all know by now that Edna is back again on Grand Isle. In a recent post of mine, I briefly touched over the idea that Edna would not sacrifice herself for her children (I don't mean to draw from my own idea from my own posts, but things just kinda happen. but they are relevant). Chopin writes on the internal conflict that besets Edna by describe her children as, "The children appeared before her like antagonists who had overcome her; who had overpowered and sought to drag her into the soul's slavery for the rest of her days. But she knew a way to elude them" (159). Edna's own children, who are the continuation of society, are being described as Edna's antagonists. The children, like society, have trapped Edna. In my previous post, I cited Edna's thought process on the idea of society and children, "To-day it is Arobin; to-morrow it will be some one else. It makes no difference to me, it doesn't matter about Leonce Pontellier-but Raoul and Etienne!" (159) She may be able to evade the perils of her society, but she cannot evade her children Raoul and Etienne. The only escape from the hole of "slavery" that the children inadvertently erected was to be found in the ocean. She stands before the ocean, naked, alone, and at night (the same as Will's previous post about the imagery Edna received from the music, "Solitude"). Chopin writes, "she cast the unpleasant, pricking garmenst from her, and for the first time in her life she stood naked in the open air, at the mercy of the sun, the breeze that beat upon her, and the waves that invited her" (159). The "prickly and unpleasant" garments represent society and the restrictions on Edna, and for the first time, she was free. She waded into the ocean and was no more.
I would like to bring up our favorite book yet again. In How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Foster says something to the effect that a disease isn’t merely a disease. This is kind of funny in regards to The Awakening. In chapter 22 Mr. Pontellier confronted the doctor, “I came to consult – no, not precisely to consult – to talk to you about Edna. I don’t know what ails her” (91). I don’t know whether or not Mr. Pontellier truly believed that his wife was physically sick, but he apparently noticed that she was having issues. This goes along with Foster’s point, Chopin added this part to her novel to advance the clear problem that Mrs. Pontellier had. I enjoyed this particular chapter because I like how it illustrated Edna’s definite obscurities.
I'd like to make a comment about Robert. He's like a sycophant, but young. He pleases the women as comic relief for the audience. (it's not really that funny, but the author makes that his first purpose in the story). The women also get a kick out of him doing everything for them in such an over-exaggerated fashion of selflessness. I found I small favor he did which summarized his whole character. When Madame Ratignolle was faint, Chopin writes, "Robert plied the fan with unnecessary vigor (upon her face)" (27).Whether a woman is in need or not of his service, Robert is always there to overdue his part.
I agree with what Richie wrote about chapter 22, and I believe this chapter to be important because it shows how Mr. Pontellier feels about Edna's actions. He beleives her to be "sick", and that is why she is completely disregarding him. Doctor Mandelet talks about giving her time and letting her work her problems out by herself. He also says at the end of the chapter that he would of liked to ask Mr. Pontellier if there was another man in the situation. I beleive this to be foreshadowing when Mr. Pontellier finally realizes Edna's infatuation for Robert.
I feel that it is significant that Edna Pontellier is either not happy or unsatisfied with her husband. Chopin writes about Mr. Pontellier, “He thought it very discouraging that his wife, who was the sole object of his existence, evinced so little interest in things which concerned him, and valued so little his conversation” (17). Chopin writes that Edna seems to have little interest in her husband and could hardly care what is feeling. Also, Edna begins to cry a short while later because of how desperate she is feeling and how her husband treats her. This topic demonstrates a problem within their marriage which creates a chance for a major problem in the story. Maybe Edna will have enough, and seek out a new man, or maybe her husband will do something to win her back. This topic has the possibility to grow and prosper into something huge.
The introduction of Ratignolle has produced many new possibilities into the story. First off, I believe that this woman is a perfect example of what Edna does not want to become. Unlike her friend, Edna is not a perfect wife and is not the greatest mother in the world. Madam Ratignolle is married to a brute, and therefore is not completely happy. I feel that she is included into the story to show what Edna could become if she isn’t careful, and why she acts the way she does. Edna tries to become a free spirit in order to end up much different than her friend, and have a life that she can be proud of.
When Mr. Pontellier leaves home to go on a trip out of town, Mrs. Pontellier does not seem to be very depressed at all. Like the short story in our literature books titled “The Storm”, the man of the house is gone which gives his wife a possibility to seek new things. Since Mrs. Pontellier does not seem to be very happy with her husband, maybe she too will seek out a new lover like Robert, while he is away. This gives her a perfect opportunity to try new things and begin to live again. However, you also discover that Mr. Pontellier loves his wife because he hands her money and sends gifts often, which may discourage Edna from doing any of these outrageous acts.
In this portion of the Story Edna starts to be reborn and begins to live again. After going down to the beach, she decides that she will try and swim even though she has never been able to do so. She musters up all of her strength and starts to swim out into deeper water. Once she began she started to feel how easy it is and overcomes her fear, she feels emotions that she has never felt before. Edna feels that she is free and has conquered something that she once thought insurmountable. This newfound freedom can open up many possibilities. Chopin tells us that Edna is beginning to see herself as a human and not just some object in space, which leaves endless opportunities to what Mrs. Pontellier will do next.
Edna and Mr. Pontellier’s bad relationship reaches a climax in chapter 11. Edna is having a good and relaxing time outside on the hammock when her husband comes home and demands she come in. When she tells him that she would rather stay outside he bursts into rage and shouts at her and tells her that she must obey him and do what she says. Edna finally stands up to him and exclaims that she is not property to be owned and that she will not be talked to like that. This confrontation shows that Edna is transforming further, and that she is becoming her own person. It also displays the further problems in to two lovers’ marriage, and gives an opportunity for further marital issues to occur.
I feel that the relationship between Edna and Robert is more than just a friendly one now. Without any thought whatsoever, Mrs. Pontellier asks for Robert to come on a trip with her. Once there, the two talk of what they would do with a pirate fortune, and how the two of them spend the money. After Mrs. Pontellier states that she would give the money to him because he would spend it properly, Robert does something drastic. Robert says, “We’d share it, and scatter it together” (55). Robert tells Edna that if they should discover the treasure that the two of them should evenly share it like a couple would, and then his face flusters. I feel that this statement is a suggestion that he has feeling for he, and that they should be together.
I agree with brittany about the foreshadowing in the first five chapters. Hoqever, I feel that she neglected to mention how Mrs. Ratignolle comes into play. I think that she is put into the story as a reason for Edna to do these acts, such as being with Robert and what not, because if she doesn't break out of her shell soon she may becme like her friend. she doesn't want to be married to a brute and tied down by the responsibilities of her children. The foreshadowing means nothing if there is no reason for her to do these things, and that is why Mrs. Ratignolle is important to the story.
Richard, I don't know about you, but MY favorite book is the one we are currently reading called The Awakening. It keeps me awake even when I want to be sleeping at what looks like it's going to turn into 1 A.M. tonight. It's just THAT INTRIGUING to me.
Anyway, page 46 talks about Edna's swim in the ocean. The ocean, I believe, symbolizes uncharted lands. Edna swims out alone as a strong individual. Chopin writes, "She wanted to swim far out, where no woman had swam before" (46). Men try to hold women back in society. It's like she's breaking away from that. She swims away from where everyone else is. This shows she doesn't care about the societal rules. She's breaking free! During her swim, she felt power and strength like any woman breaking free from the rest of the pack. This is just another piece of her awakening.
Throughout the book, Edna's hobbies are symbolic of her awakening. Edna's starts with having a life that is centered around her husband and family. She has no real interests to speak of. Edna's first step in her awakening is making friends who are unrelated to her husband, such as Adele. Edna starts to take in interest in art and begins neglecting the things she used to do as a housewife. She befriends Reisz: somewhat of a rebel during the time. As Edna feels fully free near the end of the book, painting is her main pastime.
Like Lawson I too agree about all of the posts dealing with the front cover. I think the caged dove does represent Edna being tied down and not able to fly away into another life. As the story moves along the closer the bird comes to escaping the cage. This is first evident when she learns to swim. Although she was never able to do so before, Edna mustered up the strength to conquer her fear and swim a ways out into the open water. It may just be a small act , but it displays her interests in trying new things, and displays that Edna does in fact want to fly away into a different life. The more tasks she takes on and the more she discovers, the closer she, the dove, comes to flying away into a fulfilled life.
Edna's suicide may symbolize various conclusions. It may display that she "lost" to society and would never be free. However, it may also symbolize her victory or at least her continuation against conforming. Edna says, "The years that are gone seem like dreams-if one might go on sleeping and dreaming-but to wake up and find-oh!well! perhaps it is better to wake up after all, even to suffer, rather than to remain a dupe to illusion all one's life" (Chopin 154). Edna realizes that she must deal with reality. Although she loves Robert, their relationship is only a dream. She has children and a husband. Going away with Robert would be selfish of her. Robert leaves her with this thought, and even though she is devastated, she understands. However, she also becomes aware that she cannot stand to be without him. Throughout the novel, Edna has focused more on her free emotions than reality, anyway. She leans more toward this dreamy state than the awake reality of dealing with her family. Thus, she commits suicide, putting an end to this reality. This allows her to venture back to the dream state, away from the oppressive society and its hidden rules. Therefore, it demonstrates sucess. Had she not killed herself, she would have been forced to live like a bird in a cage, unable to truly live or express herself. This choice of suicide also stresses the water's symbolism of freedom in this way.
wow i love thsibookisgreat!!!
I'd like to mention the use of geography in the novel. Edna lives on Grand Isle from the start. As an island, it is surrounded on all sides by sea. The sea literally and figuritively confines Edna to the Isle and her life. When Edna disobeys Leonce, she feels that the her confinement to the Isle is broken. At this point, the geography of the story starts to change. Edna spends less and less of her time at her house, and more of it out with friends at other places. Later, Edna admits that her house feels like a prison to her and she moves out of it to another house.
Chapter 23 describes the coming of Edna's father, and the dinner with Doctor Mandelet. This chapter illustrates a change in Edna, becoming a more content and excited person. She starts laughing and telling more stories at dinner, but not because she's happy with Mr. Pontellier, but in fact she is finally starting to realize her love for Robert. Chopin uses imagery to describe two lovers sailing off together to where noone could find them, and I believe Edna is starting to wish this for herself.
As I read, I've found a pattern arising between Robert and Edna. Edna is painting the first time Robert makes a move on her. He lays his head upon her, and Chopin writes "He once quietly rested his head against Mrs. Pontellier's arm. As gently she repulsed him" (26). Afterward, a few chapters later, Chopin states, "She took his arm, but she did not lean upon it" (48). These passages are providential because at first she didn't allow any touching. Now she's accepting his arm, an aid, a helping hand. Does this foreshadow them soon to be lovers? Who knows? (not me because I just got to this page and look what time it is... I need to get going on this)
Foreshadowing in this novel is quite evident throughout, but one topic in particular was particularly important. Although when I first read about it, it didn't seem important, but as the story went deeper it became more clear that this a big deal.At the beginning of the book Rober got Ms, Reisz to play for Edna, and this touched her deeply. She even began to cry and displayed emotions that she never knew she had. As the book goes on she befriends this woman and kind of sees her as an idol. This seemed to be a baptism of sorts and was the portal into her new life. Foster's chapter on baptism is much like this, which even deepens my belief that this was a big deal indeed.
In chapter 36 Edna tells Robert, “You are the embodiment of selfishness” (148). I find this highly ironic because it seems like Edna is, indeed, the embodiment of selfishness. Throughout the entire book she seems to care about herself and her wants and needs only. She has no regard her husband which is apparent when she moves out of the house and seen even more clearly through her unorthodox relationships with Alcee and Robert. She is neglects her children and even admits that she wouldn’t sacrifice her life for them. It appears that Mrs. Pontellier is the epitome of selfish. She is clearly out of line with her accusations of Robert.
I agree with Blake when he says he wants to make a comment about Robert. I also agree when Blake calls Robert a sycophant, but I disagree when Blake sums up his character in that particular quote that Blake used. The dedication and the passion that Mr. Pontellier lacks, Mrs. Pontellier finds in Robert. When Robert leaves on a business venture in Mexico, Mrs. Pontellier is stranded on Grand Isle with no one with whom she can really talk to except Madame Ratignolle and Mademoiselle Reisz. This shows her dependence on Robert. But when she spends some time with Alcee Arobin, the reader finds that a)Mrs. Pontellier gets around for a married woman, and b) I think that she is getting around to show that she is in control of her life. With society dictating with whom she can associate and what she can do as a well-to-do woman, she needs to know that she has some control over her life. I suppose that Robert is the “true” love of her life, but they both realize that there is nothing that can be done because Edna is married.
I agree with Michael's post (October 4, 2008 10:08 AM) and Joe's response (October 5, 2008 7:26 PM) involving relationships of Chopin's time period. Joe expanded on Michael's orginal statement by declaring that men of that time period often treated women as their property and providing a supporting quote. To expand, Chopin established Mr. Pontellier to be both a flat and static character in her novel. He has few traits, as he is the stereotypical husband of the time period. Often, his character is reinforced throughout the novel such as when Chopin declared, "Mr. Pontellier was very fond of walking about his house examining its various appointments and details, to see that nothing was amiss. He greatly valued his possesions, chiefly because they were his..." (73). Like his possesions, he valued his wife and enjoyed her most when she was obedient. Mr. Pontellier liked to keep details in place, including Mrs. Pontellier and her role as his wife.
Edna's awakening can be described as a loss of innocence. Before the events that take place in the novel, Edna was in a state of ignorant bliss. She did not realize that she was being denied freedom, so she did not feel confined. After experiencing a brief burst of freedom from her time with Robert, she is no longer naive. Edna understands that there are aspects of life being denied to her. As she awakens, life does not become easier for her. She feels abandoned by Robert when he leaves for Mexico. Even though her husband treats her as he always has, she is awakened and no longer feels he actually cares for her. Edna feels more free at the end of the story, but this does not make her more happy.
I hope to God we don't have another reading blog assignment again, but if we ever do, I have an idea on how to avoid this clutter of random posts as people are in different places in the book. Mrs. Lacey, you should make a post about each section of the book (i.e. chapters 1-4, 5-8, and so on) and then we comment on your post. Seriously, it would help the clutter TREMENDOUSLY. I can't stand having to scroll so much. No offense to you Mrs. Lacey (my most favoritest teacher in the whole wide world... sort of..) ;)
The relationship between Robert and Edna deepens throughout the novel and has many stages. At first, they appear to just be friends, but when Mrs. Ratignolle has a word with Robert, you find out that it isn't the case. Then, like Blake said, robert is with her when she first meets Reisz and has a baptsm of sorts. While on th trip where the two talk about treasure, Robert begins to display his true feelings for Edna. Throughout the novel comes intimacy and sexuality, and even the art and music comes back to passion between the two. Little can be sad about these two not being in love, and like Michael stated earlier, the coded sexuality adds to the idea that this passion was inevidtable.
I second Blake's motion. I also recommend not having it on the internet. Maybe via mail or stone tablets??? 'Cause the internet thing makes it nigh impossible for me. Furthermore, I think that Blake's idea would get more people to post, because people would think, "I've gotta get my post in that week." Whereas here, I get on the computer with every intention of posting, only to be distracted for a few hours and then come back to say, "I'll post tommorow." (and I never did)
Another thing. The word verification has caused some untold amounts of fury on my keyboard. I would have had like 4,545 more posts done if that word verification weren't so annoying. Sometimes I think it just tells me I'm wrong to make me angry.
Edna's second house is an example of the flight chapter in HRLLP. After feeling confined in Leonce's house she chooses to move out without asking him: a very bold move for women at the time. Edna chooses a smaller house to live in. Because the house is about the size of pigeon aviary, it is described as a "pigeon house". This name is very symbolic. Flight is often symbolic of freedom, as explained in HLLRP. Edna's move toward freedom is to live in a house named after a flying bird. Although Edna does not literally fly, the symbolism is still established.
I fully agree with Missy, Edna’s suicide did represent a variety of conclusions. First and foremost it caps off Edna’s miserable life. She finally realized that her life was a fantasy world running through her delusional mind. She realized that her she wasn’t the most important being in the universe and that her relationship with Robert wasn’t going to happen. This served as an “awakening” to her and reiterated her selfish nature. Instead of coping with her miserable situation of a life, she decided it would be better just to end it. Edna’s “awakening” was not the only one in the novel however; Robert too learned a lesson upon this journey. He learned that he couldn’t truly be with Edna and decided it best that he leave too. I also agree with Missy that downing was an appropriate form of suicide as it symbolized freedom.
In chapter 25, Alcee Arobin is presented in Edna's life. He takes her to the horse races, and then goes to Enda's home for dinner and conversation afterwards. Alcee starts to become very passionate with her, and finally kisses her hand when she became offended from his actions. Enda was very shocked and angered at first, but then realized how much she actually liked his touch. Chopin says, "She did not mean her husband;she was thinking of Robert Lebrum" (107). This shows that Edna doesn't believe or think about her marriage when with other men, and that Robert is the man she is starting to love. Chopin also uses the simile that the touch of his lips was like a narcotic upon her. Chopin's connotation illustrates that we haven't seen the last of Alcee Arobin.
On the subject of Edna's suicide, it is an example of vampirism as explained in HRLLP. Edna is the victim (usually a young women) and the vampire is the societal pressures surrounding her. As Edna strives for her freedom, the life is slowly sucked out of her (like a vampire's victim). The start of the story has her mostly happy and well-off. The pressures a Victorian society places causes her to feel more and more disconnected with life. After Robert leaves, she feels abandoned and alone. Due to the antagonism to free-thinking women, she feels that everybody is against her. The story ends with her suicide, the societal vampire having sucked the last bit of life out of her because of her desire to be free.
Mrs. Pontellier's personality change is most clearly illustrated by her words in chapter 38. I completely agree with Missy's and Olivia's comments about how Mrs. Pontellier feels it is better to "wake up" than to remain in "a dream" so to speak. She is quite the opposite of the saying "ignorance is bliss" in all that she has said and done up to this point. In an earlier post, I mentioned how Mrs. Pontellier felt bad for Madame Ratignolle because she had not yet had her own "awakening" and now I think that Mrs. Pontellier almost has the same feelings for herself. She feels bad for herself after experiencing the world a new way, but she is still glad that she had this new perception of the world.
Surprisingly, Chopin provided foreshadowing of the failure of Edna and Robert's relationship in her novel. She revealed, "Edna felt depressed rather than soothed after leaving them. The little glimpse of domestic harmony which had been offered her, gave her no regret, no longing. It was not a condition of life which fitted her, and she could see in it but an appalling and hopeless ennui," (80). After witnessing the true compatablilty of her dear friend, Madame Ratignolle, and her husband, Edna realized she had glimpsed a lifestyle that was not compatable with her being. At the conclusion of the novel, Robert and Edna's relationship did indeed fail.
okay cody so i completely agree with your comment about the geography that since she is on an island, she is confined! that was awesome of you to notice, and i was also thinking, going along with something i said earlier abotu the ocean being tempting, and her death happening to be in the ocean, almost that it was inevitable that she was to die, and she was to realize and wake up from her perfect socially acceptable life and to want and to love.
also i would like to add that ednas life may have been miserable but in away she was okay with it..
if you think about it edna had many chances to turn and stay with what she had always been content with.
she dint ever have to invite robert with her anywhere,
she did have to learn to paint or become an artist, she never had to learn to swim in away she was setting herself up for her untimely fate the whole novel.
i cant really explain my feelings toward the end of this novel, im realived that her life has been ended and she has been released from her unhappiness, yet at the same time i wish that she couls have found maybe a solution less rash.
but in the end Kate Chopin really had the kicker by sending her into the ocean and having her tired and drown. i mean it was genius, because earlier in the novel her learning to swim drives her and empowers her to "wake up" and in the end the lessons just put her to an "endless sleep."
In Chapter 21, Edna visits Madmoiselle Reisz. During Her visit Mrs. Reisz asks Edna what she has been doing with her time since Robert has left. She is surprised to hear that Edna currently wants to become an artist. Reisz tells Edna that a artist must have "a courageous soul...that dares and defies".
I think that this was an important quote from the story . Because Edna was to defy her current life, she must have courage, and being an artist symbolizes her struggle to break free from her life.
kevin and blake i definately see the sycophant in robert.
he is always there always wanting to please the young lady he has chosen during the summer.
i regret that i can not find the exact quote, but i remember reading when robert was told to do a list of things by a women and he would do it to please her. so blake and kevin i do agree.
one last comment about the cover,
we all have agreed with the symbols on the fron cover of this novel,
the beach
the sea
the bird
the woman shaped cage
but look to the back of the novel and notice the lady from the front of the novel no longer peering into the your own eyes but looking away.
she almost seems to be turning away from her enviroment (the bird and cage aka. her and her entrappment)
and the rungs in the center of the cage are red, to symbolize a passion, this could be numeruos things.
- a passion for robert
- a passion to pursue art
- or even a secret passion she once had for her husband
but as you can tell she has turned away from each of these passions within her life and has turned to death.
Well Olivia, when i looked at the back cover, i first noticed that red wiring you so speak of. When i saw this the first thing that came to mind were the three burning letter "A's". These wires burning resemble these letters and i believe symbolized three "awakenings" that happened to Edna through this novel. The physical, mental, and emotional awakenings that happened to Edna came about from this burning passion for change from withing herself. This hole that would be created from these burning wires would cause a hole big enough to free her entrapped soul.
Olivia brought up the point(October 17, 2008 4:53 PM) that Edna began with full clothing and ended her life stripped bare. I agree with her statements and wish to expand. Chopin proclaimed, "That is, he could not see that she was becoming herself and daily casting aside that fictitious self which we assume like a garment with which to appear before the world," (82). After her baptism, Edna gradually began to wear less clothes figuratively and literally. Figuratively, she revealed her true desires, such as her own home, painting as a hobby, and Robert as her lover, more and more with time. Also, as the novel progressed, Chopin sometimes mentioned that Edna did not bother to get fully dressed. By the end of the novel, Edna had let her true self be known.
Chopin continually demonstrates and uses the symbol of weather throughout The Awakening. A good example can be found when Chopin wrote, "The murky, lowering sky, which had depressed her a few hours before, seemed bracing and invigorating as she splashed through the streets on the way home" (113). This use of light coming about during Edna's time of happiness shows how Chopin uses the symbol. When Edna recieved the good news of Roberto returning home, beams of sunlight came about and the town was all happy happy joy joy. It is amazing how the feelings of a married woman change when she finds out one of her suitors is coming home...
Joe keenly noticed the three red wire letter A's gracing the torso on the back cover of the novel. I believe the three red letter A's could be an allusion to Edna's personal "Scarlet Letters". Edna cheated on her husband with two seperate men, Robert and Arobin. I believe each red letter a symbolizes one of her men.
Throughout the novel, the reader can only wonder who is at fault for the tension in Mr. and Mrs. Pontellier's relationship. Being as the book centers around a woman and is written by a woman, it seems that it is Mr. Pontellier's fault for the tension between husband and bride. But, as with many things, such as Fox news, there is a fair amount of bias against poor Mr. Pontellier. Chopin tends to focus him on his love of material possessions, as seen in chapter seventeen, but is that really his fault? Chopin writes, "Mr.Pontellier was very fond of walking around his house examining itsvarious appointments and details, to see that nothing was amiss. He greatly valued his possessions, chiefly because they were his,and his derived genuine pleasure from contemplating about a painting, a statuette, a rare lace curtain-no matter what" (73).It was common practice at the time for men to place women as a sort of material possession, placing little humane value upon them, and treating them thus. At the time, it was the woman's place to be at the man's feet, so is Mr. Pontellier really at fault? I think not. Not that I am sexist or anything, but I am going to put the blame on ignorance. Mr. Pontellier did not truly believe that women were more than just permanent housemaids. Perhaps this is the moral of the story. Katie, to an extreme, is showing the moral injustice of women of the time, and what can possibly happen if men don't change their views. In contrast, the blame can also be put on Edna, for her affairs with other men and delusions of grandeur. Once again, I would not put the blame on Edna, but ignorance and the inflexible sexist barriers between man and woman. In conclusion, I think that Katie is trying to say that even people who have so much are still susceptible to the problems in the husband and wife relationship.
I like what brittany said about the foreshadowing failing Edna and Robert in the end. The fact that Enda and Robert did not work out in the end is situational irony. The whole novel was dedicated to Edna and Robert's relationship. One would believe that possibly it would work between the two, however it does not, resulting in the drowning of Edna in the ocean. The ocean is also ironic itself, because it was where she first learned to swim and to feel "Free". Because this is also the place of her soul being "free" from her hellish life, she becomes free forever in the ocean. That, my friends, is ironic. Shazzam!
i liked brittany's point in response to my earlier statement. thats pretty thug
In response to Kevin's very good point on who is at fault, i found a nice quote to back up the idea that its Mrs. Pontellier. Chopin puts pen to paper, "It was the first kiss of her life to which her nature had really responded. It was a flaming torch that kindled desire" (116). I don't really know if cheating on your husband was totally cool back then, but if it is how it is now, I think that Mrs. Pontellier's little scandalous situations like this aren't too cool with her whole married scene. If she feels she is being kept in such a hell from her husband, then why is she continually cheating on him. If she is no better than the one who imprisons her, then who is to blame?
Going on about what Mademoiselle Reisz said to Edna about being an artist....
When Edna swims out into the ocean in chapter 34, she remembers the words that Reisz had spoken to her, "The artist must possess the courageous soul that dares and defies". Edna wants to be the artist of her own life, she wants to make decisions on her own, and she wants to give of herself to whom she pleases. Edna had been denied of being able to paint out her own life because of the foolish decisions she had made, like getting married to Mr. Pontieller. So as she is swimming to her death, she takes the wise words of Mademoiselle Reisz, which seem to be urging her to press on toward her freedom.
Does anyone else think it is ironic that Robert was the ting in Edna's life that made her happy, but in the end Robert indeliberately murdered Edna?
to Joe:
After looking at the back cover, I must also saw the three letter "A"'s, or three scarlet letters. I think that the letters on the back cover are an allusion to "The Scarlet Letter", which we conveniently read four weeks ago. Coincedence? I don't think so. I think that Edna draws many parallels towards Hester, as does Robert to Dimmesdale and Mr. Pontellier to Chillingworth. Edna and Hester are related in the way that they both are unsatisfied with their legal husband, both engage in a crime of passion, and both are taken up by said crime. Moreover, Hester and Edna are both described as young and good looking. Robert and Dimmesdale are both alike in the way that they are the subject of fancy for each young mistress. Mr. Pontellier and Mr. Chillingworth are very much alike also. For starters, they both are the husband of unfaithful wives. They are both also a vampire according to How to Read Literature Like a Professor. both of them fit the mold almost perfectly. Mr. Pontellier is a man who focused on Edna, who is described as beautiful, and proceeds to take all of the happiness out of her life. However, his vampirism does hit a snag along the lines. He never actually gains more virility from the demise of Edna. But then, nobody's perfect. Mr. Chillingworth is also a vampire in the story, but that's old news, and I'll not bore you with the details. What it comes down to in the end, is that the two books are very similar, and I think Mrs. Lacey did it on purpose.
In Chapter 34, the bird with the broken wing symbolizes Edna because Edna will never be able to fly free in this world. This bird shows Edna that no matter how hard she tries, she will always feel like there is a void in her life she cannot escape. Edna realizes that Leonce is her broken wing that will never mend.
Cody previously wrote (October 19, 2008 6:51 PM) that he believed Edna's new home that she dubbed the "pigeon house" has a symbolic meaning. I agree with Cody's idea that the name has symbolism, and that one of its symbols is Foster's concept of "flight", but I also believe the name offers more. Chopin pointed out, "Joe is working over at the 'pigeon house'---that's the name Ellen gives it, because it's so small and looks like a pigeon house," (120). After Edna moved into her pigeon house, her depression began to deepen steadily. It was after she moved in that she visited her children, returned, and realized she was truly alone. It was also after she moved in that Robert did not remain for her, but instead left the note (that Zach Walsh pointed out ironically) caused Edna to end her life (though before Robert was the main aspect of her life who made her happy). Edna, a bird, was seeking freedom. However, she flew in the wrong direction, made some poor choices, and found herself in a death-inducing cage (like the front cover). She was much like the bird Chopin described in the concluding chapter. Chopin depicted, "A bird with a broken wing was beating the air above, reeling,fluttering, circling disabled down, down to the water," (159).
The time period in which this novel was written is also important to the full understanding of Edna's awakening. The novel was set in 1899, at the time of the Industrial Revolution and feminist movements beginning to emerge. One should see that Edna isn't only looking for freedom in the form of real love, but also freedom to be treated like a true person instead of a possession. Edna testifies this to Robert saying,“I am no longer one of Mr. Pontellier's possessions to dispose of or not . . . If he were to say, 'Here Robert, take her and be happy; she is yours,' I should laugh at both of you.” Chopin uses Edna here to show that the way women viewed the world, and the way the world viewed women was changing at a rapid rate.
Throughout this discussion, people have been drawing conclusions between Foster's ideas behind flight, and the flight of Edna. I agree with you, but I also saw something else. Back in the time period, upper class people would keep pigeons in shabby houses in their backyard, on top of their house, or something of the like. Although these pigeons have the ability to fly, they are restrained by the bounds of the cage. The pigeon house is exactly like a pigeon house of the time. Although Edna is not under the supervision of Leonce, she still is unable to be free. This upgrade in housing, although a step up from the confines of her old house, still does not bear the freedom of Grand Isle that was so close to her. The reference to Edna being a pigeon brings the reader back to the idea that women are treated as objects instead of people. Furthermore, without assistance from the main house (Leonce), Edna would perish from a lack of something required for survival, much like a pigeon without food.
Even Edna's death, though mainly act of of depression, was also an act of her defiance. Chopin declared, "She thought of Leonce and the children. They were a part of her life. But they need not have thought that they could possess her, body and soul..."Good-by---because I love you." He did not know...He would never understand. Perhaps Doctor Mandelet would have understood if she had seen him---but it was too late," (160). Nearing her death, Edna realized she enjoyed performing the act in defiance of her husband and children who thought they could possess her, and also in defiance of Robert, who lacked understanding of her true being and the love she had for him. However, in her last moments, it seems Mrs. Pontellier realized she could have chosen another option, though it was too late now. Perhaps she had regret that the Doctor could have understood, but she never gave herself the chance to talk to him and exchange thoughts.
Also, what are different endings for Robert?
I believe that his note, "Good-by---because I love you" could have been his last words foreshadowing his suicide. Maybe he realized that their relationship would never work out and death was the only solution he found. His death would be a combination of Romeo's in "Romeo and Juliet" and the minister's death in "The Scarlet Letter". Or perhaps Robert was running away from Edna again before things got too serious because he felt badly that he cared for her so much.
I'd like to agree with Cody's comment. Geography DOES matter, and I've found more examples to go along with that in response to Cody. I tend to find insignificant details sometimes, and here I go again. I'm not SURE of the significance of this, but I'll give it a shot... In chapter 20, it is stated that Reisz's place of residency is on "Bienville Street". From my three years of Spanish experiene, I know that "bien" means good, so I'm guessing that despite her oddness in comparison to the rest of society, Reisz is living the good life, the life Edna should follow. As the story goes on I notice Edna expressing herself more and more not caring what others think of her. She's becoming Reisz in a way.
At Zack:
I agree with your comment on the importance of the time period with relation to the publication of the novel. During the late 1800's and early 1900's, there were many changes in technology, beliefs, health, our nation, but perhaps most important in regards to this novel: civil rights. The progressive movement is possibly the most important movement in our nations history since the American Revolution. Thanks to the progressive movement, women have the right to vote, the food we eat is clean, there is a minimum wage, and the government is for the most part not corrupt, among other things. The progressive movement started after the conclusion of the Civil War, when we were finally done with the fighting and ready to heal. It peaked during the early 1900's and died off when we were done fixing and ready to fight once more. Before the progressive movement, the American governing system was very corrupt and run by corporations (kinda like today). Thanks to people who were unafraid to risk everything for the sake of progress, like Katie Chopin, are nation is what it is today. People like Katie were almost as influential as the lawmakers of the time, because they brought the social and moral issues to light, while the people before them ignored the problems. Overall, this period of time was very important pertaining to the identity of these United States.
Finally, comment ten, brings me to the tragic conclusion of "The Awakening". I think that Edna's death serves as the final freeing of her tortured soul. Throughout the story, Edna was unhappy with her life and the way that she was going, so she decided that she had to end it. This was brought on by a few things. First, her overall mental health. As the story progresses, Edna's overall mental state is headed down. She starts out pretty healthy, but at the end she goes crazy. The water, at the beginning of the story, served as a realization of the strength of a woman. Edna realized that a woman could make it on her own, and she tried. At the end, this symbolizes how she got in too deep and it overcame her. All of the freedom she had was too much, and she drowned in what she thought was liberty. Perhaps this is another one of Katie's morals. Maybe Katie was saying to not declare yourselves completely free from the ties to manhood, but slowly gain your god given liberties. Much like how it is easier to go slowly into a cold pool, go slowly into independence.
In response to Will's comment made October 12, 2008 6:48 PM (a long long time ago), I agree. Women in society are basically known to not use their heads and use more emotion than logic. Because society believes that women don't speak with their mind, they're like parrots. They speak whatever they feel. Just like the parrot in chapter nine. He spoke up and was asked to be "removed and consigned to regions of darkness" by the Farival twins of which are deemed accepted by society when they are said to be "in the Virgin's colors, blue and white, having been dedicated to the Blessed Virgin at their baptism"(Chopin 42). In this case, the Farival twins represent society shutting out the ones in society who shouldn't be listened to because they supposedly don't use their heads, women.
In response to Will's final post, I agree. The headless bird (Edna) finally broke out of her cage (in reference to the cover) with a broken wing from her newfound "awakening" that Robert and her wouldn't be able to to be together. She finally realized society wouldn't allow it. With a broken wing, the bird broke from its independent flight falling into the water, dead.
This was foreshadowed by page 46 when she went for her very first swim. Chopin writes, "She grew daring and reckless, overestimating her strength" (46). The ocean had it's way of making her feel powerful when she really wasn't. She became hindered by the new power given to her proving what society believes. She couldn't handle the power which is why it couldn't be given to her, as a woman in society (a headless/thoughtless bird), in the first place.
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