Chapters I-VII (for 10/06)
"An indescribable oppression, which seemed to generate in some unfamiliar part of her consciousness, filled her whole being with a vague anguish. It was like a shadow, like a mist passing across her soul's summer day. It was strange and unfamiliar; it was a mood. She did not sit there inwardly upbraiding her husband, lamenting at Fate, which had directed her footsteps to the path which they had taken. She was just having a good cry all to herself. The mosquitoes made merry over her, biting her firm, round arms and nipping at her bare insteps." (pg. 8)
This passage fits directly into the novel because it's based on the limited freedoms given to women. The passage above is only a small example of how females were treated by their husbands back in the day, according to Chopin. The theme in the stated passage and the beginning of the novel is related to power women didn't have, gender roles and designated duties for females (without say, of course). This develops the plot greatly, one would think that these actions and feelings would carry on throughout the whole story, but in a turn of events, twists the plot. As this develops the plot, it changes how Chopin was treated in means of independence, as she is "breaking the norm." This gave reason for women to submerge from their bound lives and escape authority. The setting is developed from the great imagery included in the passage. "It was like a shadow, like a mist passing across her soul's summer day," gives you chills but lets you understand the circumstance she was under, "the mosquitoes made merry over her," becomes symbolism of the protagonist entirely, sucking her blood happily as the men in her life had sucked her freedom with content. As a reader, I cannot relate to the sadness felt by Chopin's, though sexism is around today it has improved from what it's once been. I chose this passage because it made me think about how the Chopin truly felt. Since I was oblivious to how women truly felt in that time, she became a voice for all women in the her time in my opinion. It made me understand the devastation one had in their spouse, though they did not look for faults, it didn't mean that they were without betrayal. I was intrigued by the stylistic approach Chopin had, she had written with risk but it was understandable. The way she expressed the problematic life she'd lived reflected her strong views on sexism. Chapters VIII-XIV (for 10/08)
"A characteristic which distinguished them and which impressed Mrs. Pontellier most forcibly was their entire absence of prudery. Their freedom of expression was at first incomprehensible to her, though she had no difficulty in reconciling it with a lofty chastity which in the Creole woman seems to be inborn and unmistakable."
This passage relates to the story because it contributes to how she felt toward their societal ways. Women allowed men to rule them and perhaps it's exactly what they wanted. Though she speaks of being "impressed," she truly means it in an insulting way. Women in Edna's time found it only right to be under the command of their spouse. Edna was only truly moved by the women because of their lack of morals for themselves as they conform to their societal ways and change their behavior to meet the male standards. This develops the the story because it gives you a sense of who Edna is, and who she will never be. Though she was married into a Creole life, she makes it known that that's not who she is. As a reader, I'm sure I've been in this predicament before, having to go against the norm and becoming the divergent of the group. This passage, in my opinion is a very strong one. It is evident that women in Creole marriages lack freedom, but see it as an honor. As if being married to them makes it completely okay. This shows Chopin's unwillingness to become "one of them." She truly sees their life as torturous but I'm sure the other women held those same views against Edna as well.
Chapters XIV-XIX (for 10/10)
"She would sometimes gather them passionately to her heart; she would sometimes forget them. The year before they had spend part of the summer with their grandmother Pontellier in Iberville. Feeling secure regarding their happiness and welfare, she did not miss them except with an occasional intense longing. Their absence was a sort of relief, though she dd not admit this, even to herself. It seemed to free her of a responsibility which she had blindly assumed and for which Fate had not fitted her."
Many people believe that Edna is selfish because she neglects her role as a mother and a wife. This passage raised questions for me. At first, I wondered as to why she had children in the first place if she chooses not to be a part of their lives. The way I see it, how she treats her children relates to her unwillingness to conform to society. Just the thought of the motherly role is unpleasant to Edna. While the children are away, Edna feels a sense of freedom, but this feeling of freedom is not the kind most mothers get. Edna's freedom comes from her sense of relief rather than from her feelings of motherhood. I was a bit surprised because of how absent Edna seemed to be throughout her children's lives. This is a crucial point within the story because it develops her whole being and transition between two different lives. I chose this passage because it has become a part of Edna's awakening process. Although I can't relate to Edna because I do not have children of my own, I don't think I would be able to anyways. I personally do not agree with the separation of children from their mother, I see it as morally incorrect.
Chapters XXVI-XXXII (for 10/17)
"She had done all the thinking which was necessary after Robert went away, when she lay awake upon the sofa till morning. she had said over and over to herself: "To-day t is Arobin; tomorrow it will be someone else. It makes no difference to me, it doesn't matter about Leonce Pontellier - but Raoul and Etienne!"
Through this passage, I can indicate that Edna is troubled after Adele gives birth. She watches the process of Adele's motherhood which bothers her because she can't picture herself in that role. Although she loves her children, that's not the life she chooses to live. Unlike her unwillingness to conform to the social norm, her love for her children is pure though her actions contradict that. She realizes here that her desire for independence will only affect her children's lives, which is something she doesn't want. Reading this, I can see her motherly instinct coming through, as strange as that sounds. I can really see some sort of motherly figure coming out, as strange as it sounds. I think this helps the plot because it shows that she truly does care about her children by realizing she is not the right person to watch over them. You can easily tell the type of person Edna is by how she feels toward her children. But even though she loves them, she would never sacrifice her independence to for the role of a mother.
Chapters XXXIII-XXXIX (for 10/21)
"Despondency had come upon her there in the wakeful night, and had never lifted. There was no one thing in the world that she desired. There was no human being whom she wanted near her except Robert; and she even realized that the day would come when, he, too, and the thought of him would melt out of her existence, leaving her alone. 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. She was not thinking of these things when she walked down to the beach."
It's interesting that Edna's freedom causes her to be alone and isolated. Perhaps that is the price that Edna has to pay. In Edna's last moments, she realizes her final awakening, and is aware of the consequences she must forever live with. This passage shows that Edna cannot be free, no matter what life she chooses. In this event, Edna walks toward the sea with no thoughts of returning to her life, her life of conformity. I wasn't very surprised by this scene occurring. It was evident that Edna's life wasn't at all what she wanted. I think this event was a defying moment in The Awakening, at this moment there are a variety of emotions going through her mind. As Edna enters the ocean, it symbolizes a baptism, that she is being cleansed of all her sins. She enters naked which can symbolize a newborn child, born with a clean slate, a life of new beginnings and freedom. It's as if Edna felt as one with the ocean, she felt peaceful only by entering and moving deeper into the ocean. She didn't feel regret, but felt motivated to go farther.
Additional
"Robert's going had some way of taking the the brightness, the color, the meaning out of everything. The conditions of her life were in no way changed, but her whole existence was dull, like a faded garment which seems to be no longer worth wearing. She sought him everywhere in others whom she induced to talk about him."
Although Edna is not fond of the Creole ways, it does not fully change her feelings toward Robert. She is shocked by Robert's abrupt departure to Mexico. I don't think that Edna truly appreciates Robert when they are in close proximity but when he's away, it's clear that she needs him more. Her life without Robert is meaningless. Robert is able to sense Edna's change and longing for freedom, and that's something that Robert doesn't advocate. This passage shows that Edna seeks for independence yet still depends on others. It develops Edna as a person because she often contradicts herself, this shows that she is and always will be an indecisive person. I, myself am an indecisive person as well and am able to find a relation with Edna through this passage. It's easy to take things for granted because you always expect that they'll be there, which I can admit to doing.
"An indescribable oppression, which seemed to generate in some unfamiliar part of her consciousness, filled her whole being with a vague anguish. It was like a shadow, like a mist passing across her soul's summer day. It was strange and unfamiliar; it was a mood. She did not sit there inwardly upbraiding her husband, lamenting at Fate, which had directed her footsteps to the path which they had taken. She was just having a good cry all to herself. The mosquitoes made merry over her, biting her firm, round arms and nipping at her bare insteps." (pg. 8)
- Alludes to Edna's sad state of being/dissatisfied
- Summer- no hiding, no secrets, no darkness, light, joy and happiness
- Darkness brought upon her souls summer day
- Didn't internally look for faults in her husband
- Unfathomable control
- Gender roles
- Mosquitoes "sucked" on her joy
- All things that saddened her had directed her life
This passage fits directly into the novel because it's based on the limited freedoms given to women. The passage above is only a small example of how females were treated by their husbands back in the day, according to Chopin. The theme in the stated passage and the beginning of the novel is related to power women didn't have, gender roles and designated duties for females (without say, of course). This develops the plot greatly, one would think that these actions and feelings would carry on throughout the whole story, but in a turn of events, twists the plot. As this develops the plot, it changes how Chopin was treated in means of independence, as she is "breaking the norm." This gave reason for women to submerge from their bound lives and escape authority. The setting is developed from the great imagery included in the passage. "It was like a shadow, like a mist passing across her soul's summer day," gives you chills but lets you understand the circumstance she was under, "the mosquitoes made merry over her," becomes symbolism of the protagonist entirely, sucking her blood happily as the men in her life had sucked her freedom with content. As a reader, I cannot relate to the sadness felt by Chopin's, though sexism is around today it has improved from what it's once been. I chose this passage because it made me think about how the Chopin truly felt. Since I was oblivious to how women truly felt in that time, she became a voice for all women in the her time in my opinion. It made me understand the devastation one had in their spouse, though they did not look for faults, it didn't mean that they were without betrayal. I was intrigued by the stylistic approach Chopin had, she had written with risk but it was understandable. The way she expressed the problematic life she'd lived reflected her strong views on sexism. Chapters VIII-XIV (for 10/08)
"A characteristic which distinguished them and which impressed Mrs. Pontellier most forcibly was their entire absence of prudery. Their freedom of expression was at first incomprehensible to her, though she had no difficulty in reconciling it with a lofty chastity which in the Creole woman seems to be inborn and unmistakable."
This passage relates to the story because it contributes to how she felt toward their societal ways. Women allowed men to rule them and perhaps it's exactly what they wanted. Though she speaks of being "impressed," she truly means it in an insulting way. Women in Edna's time found it only right to be under the command of their spouse. Edna was only truly moved by the women because of their lack of morals for themselves as they conform to their societal ways and change their behavior to meet the male standards. This develops the the story because it gives you a sense of who Edna is, and who she will never be. Though she was married into a Creole life, she makes it known that that's not who she is. As a reader, I'm sure I've been in this predicament before, having to go against the norm and becoming the divergent of the group. This passage, in my opinion is a very strong one. It is evident that women in Creole marriages lack freedom, but see it as an honor. As if being married to them makes it completely okay. This shows Chopin's unwillingness to become "one of them." She truly sees their life as torturous but I'm sure the other women held those same views against Edna as well.
Chapters XIV-XIX (for 10/10)
"She would sometimes gather them passionately to her heart; she would sometimes forget them. The year before they had spend part of the summer with their grandmother Pontellier in Iberville. Feeling secure regarding their happiness and welfare, she did not miss them except with an occasional intense longing. Their absence was a sort of relief, though she dd not admit this, even to herself. It seemed to free her of a responsibility which she had blindly assumed and for which Fate had not fitted her."
Many people believe that Edna is selfish because she neglects her role as a mother and a wife. This passage raised questions for me. At first, I wondered as to why she had children in the first place if she chooses not to be a part of their lives. The way I see it, how she treats her children relates to her unwillingness to conform to society. Just the thought of the motherly role is unpleasant to Edna. While the children are away, Edna feels a sense of freedom, but this feeling of freedom is not the kind most mothers get. Edna's freedom comes from her sense of relief rather than from her feelings of motherhood. I was a bit surprised because of how absent Edna seemed to be throughout her children's lives. This is a crucial point within the story because it develops her whole being and transition between two different lives. I chose this passage because it has become a part of Edna's awakening process. Although I can't relate to Edna because I do not have children of my own, I don't think I would be able to anyways. I personally do not agree with the separation of children from their mother, I see it as morally incorrect.
Chapters XXVI-XXXII (for 10/17)
"She had done all the thinking which was necessary after Robert went away, when she lay awake upon the sofa till morning. she had said over and over to herself: "To-day t is Arobin; tomorrow it will be someone else. It makes no difference to me, it doesn't matter about Leonce Pontellier - but Raoul and Etienne!"
Through this passage, I can indicate that Edna is troubled after Adele gives birth. She watches the process of Adele's motherhood which bothers her because she can't picture herself in that role. Although she loves her children, that's not the life she chooses to live. Unlike her unwillingness to conform to the social norm, her love for her children is pure though her actions contradict that. She realizes here that her desire for independence will only affect her children's lives, which is something she doesn't want. Reading this, I can see her motherly instinct coming through, as strange as that sounds. I can really see some sort of motherly figure coming out, as strange as it sounds. I think this helps the plot because it shows that she truly does care about her children by realizing she is not the right person to watch over them. You can easily tell the type of person Edna is by how she feels toward her children. But even though she loves them, she would never sacrifice her independence to for the role of a mother.
Chapters XXXIII-XXXIX (for 10/21)
"Despondency had come upon her there in the wakeful night, and had never lifted. There was no one thing in the world that she desired. There was no human being whom she wanted near her except Robert; and she even realized that the day would come when, he, too, and the thought of him would melt out of her existence, leaving her alone. 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. She was not thinking of these things when she walked down to the beach."
It's interesting that Edna's freedom causes her to be alone and isolated. Perhaps that is the price that Edna has to pay. In Edna's last moments, she realizes her final awakening, and is aware of the consequences she must forever live with. This passage shows that Edna cannot be free, no matter what life she chooses. In this event, Edna walks toward the sea with no thoughts of returning to her life, her life of conformity. I wasn't very surprised by this scene occurring. It was evident that Edna's life wasn't at all what she wanted. I think this event was a defying moment in The Awakening, at this moment there are a variety of emotions going through her mind. As Edna enters the ocean, it symbolizes a baptism, that she is being cleansed of all her sins. She enters naked which can symbolize a newborn child, born with a clean slate, a life of new beginnings and freedom. It's as if Edna felt as one with the ocean, she felt peaceful only by entering and moving deeper into the ocean. She didn't feel regret, but felt motivated to go farther.
Additional
"Robert's going had some way of taking the the brightness, the color, the meaning out of everything. The conditions of her life were in no way changed, but her whole existence was dull, like a faded garment which seems to be no longer worth wearing. She sought him everywhere in others whom she induced to talk about him."
Although Edna is not fond of the Creole ways, it does not fully change her feelings toward Robert. She is shocked by Robert's abrupt departure to Mexico. I don't think that Edna truly appreciates Robert when they are in close proximity but when he's away, it's clear that she needs him more. Her life without Robert is meaningless. Robert is able to sense Edna's change and longing for freedom, and that's something that Robert doesn't advocate. This passage shows that Edna seeks for independence yet still depends on others. It develops Edna as a person because she often contradicts herself, this shows that she is and always will be an indecisive person. I, myself am an indecisive person as well and am able to find a relation with Edna through this passage. It's easy to take things for granted because you always expect that they'll be there, which I can admit to doing.