Chapters 1-7
“The Awakening” Passage Chapters 1-7
“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 mazed of inward contemplation.” (pg 18, ln 4-7)
At this point in the book, it’s still early, and the plot is still developing. However, it’s clear to see that Mr. Pontellier sees his wife as a piece of property and that Edna’s freedoms are limited. This quote exemplifies Edna’s longing to get lost in herself, to be the woman she wants to be. Also, by this part in the story the reader has seen Edna cry her heart out for no specific reason. But yet she knows what’s wrong, and like the sea, it’s seductive, pulling her away from the life she is supposed to live, to the one she wants to live.
As a reader, I thoroughly enjoyed this passage. Much of the story so far has been told as a story, it’s not incredibly lyrical, but full of detail to provide the reader information. This passage is the first that jumped out to me and spoke in a metaphorical tone, but did it with a beautiful use of personification. The length of the sentence also made it more rhythmatic; like the sea, the sentence kept flowing, “never ceasing.” In this sentence the reader is fully immersed in the Edna truly feels but done in a poetic way.
“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 mazed of inward contemplation.” (pg 18, ln 4-7)
At this point in the book, it’s still early, and the plot is still developing. However, it’s clear to see that Mr. Pontellier sees his wife as a piece of property and that Edna’s freedoms are limited. This quote exemplifies Edna’s longing to get lost in herself, to be the woman she wants to be. Also, by this part in the story the reader has seen Edna cry her heart out for no specific reason. But yet she knows what’s wrong, and like the sea, it’s seductive, pulling her away from the life she is supposed to live, to the one she wants to live.
As a reader, I thoroughly enjoyed this passage. Much of the story so far has been told as a story, it’s not incredibly lyrical, but full of detail to provide the reader information. This passage is the first that jumped out to me and spoke in a metaphorical tone, but did it with a beautiful use of personification. The length of the sentence also made it more rhythmatic; like the sea, the sentence kept flowing, “never ceasing.” In this sentence the reader is fully immersed in the Edna truly feels but done in a poetic way.
Chapters 8-14
“You don’t know anything about it. Why should you know? I never was so exhausted in my life. But it isn’t pleasant. A thousand emotions have swept through me tonight. I don’t comprehend half of them. Don’t mind what I’m saying; I am just thinking aloud. I wonder if I shall ever be stirred again as Mademoiselle Reisz’s playing moved me tonight. I wonder if any night on earth will ever again be life this one. It is like a night in a dream. The people about me are like some uncanny, half-human beings. There must be spirits abroad to-night.” -Edna (page 38 ln 33-36, page 39 ln 1-6)
In this passage Edna had just had her first swimming experience, she finally was able to swim on her own. However, while out there, she became scared and had began to think what would happen if she were to drown. This passage Edna is speaking with Robert, however what she is saying makes her sound slightly crazy. After experiencing the beauty of Mademoiselle Reisz’s playing and her late night swim, she has experienced many things in a night. The passage exemplifies what Edna truly thinks of things, however since she is so overwhelmed and exhausted she says them aloud. Typically in this time, her thoughts would be deemed outrageous and inappropriate, but this foreshadows what is to come. That eventually she will not only think outrageous thoughts, she will also act on them.
I felt that this passage was an intimate moment between Robert and Edna. Although Edna, at the time, may not have known it. Edna felt that she could share her deepest thoughts with Robert, thoughts that shouldn’t be shared with others. As a reader, this confused me because Edna doesn’t appear to have interest in Robert, so what was it about him that she seemed to trust? It’s evident in the story that Robert loves Edna, but the feelings aren’t mutual. This passage is overall befuddling, but revelatory at the same time as Edna expresses her true feelings.
In this passage Edna had just had her first swimming experience, she finally was able to swim on her own. However, while out there, she became scared and had began to think what would happen if she were to drown. This passage Edna is speaking with Robert, however what she is saying makes her sound slightly crazy. After experiencing the beauty of Mademoiselle Reisz’s playing and her late night swim, she has experienced many things in a night. The passage exemplifies what Edna truly thinks of things, however since she is so overwhelmed and exhausted she says them aloud. Typically in this time, her thoughts would be deemed outrageous and inappropriate, but this foreshadows what is to come. That eventually she will not only think outrageous thoughts, she will also act on them.
I felt that this passage was an intimate moment between Robert and Edna. Although Edna, at the time, may not have known it. Edna felt that she could share her deepest thoughts with Robert, thoughts that shouldn’t be shared with others. As a reader, this confused me because Edna doesn’t appear to have interest in Robert, so what was it about him that she seemed to trust? It’s evident in the story that Robert loves Edna, but the feelings aren’t mutual. This passage is overall befuddling, but revelatory at the same time as Edna expresses her true feelings.
Chapters 15-19
"'I don't want to part in any ill humor,' she said. 'But can't you understand? I've grown used to seeing you, to having you with me all the time, and your action seems unfriendly, even unkind. You don't even offer an excuse for it. Why, I was planning to be together, thinking of how pleasant it would be to see you in the city next winter.' 'So was I,' he blurted. 'Perhaps that's the--' He stood up suddenly and held out his hand. 'Good-by, my dear Mrs. Pontellier; good-by. You won't--I hope you won't completely forget me.' She clung to his hand, striving to detain him." (page 60 ln 15-24)
After discovering that Robert is leaving for Mexico, Edna discovers her true feelings for Robert. She realized that she has become infatuated with him, and this is the point where, without directly stating it, expresses her feelings for him. Since her husband isn't often around and doesn't appear to see her as an equal, Edna has enjoyed being with Robert. But with him leaving, that one person she could be herself around has disappeared out of her life. Because of this, it is evident to see that later Edna begins to act out more and more, expressing herself in ways that she shouldn't and acting in ways that are deemed unacceptable of a woman.
Personally I felt this passage to be depressing. I enjoyed the idea of Robert and Edna being together and when he left I was quite upset. Edna had finally found someone in this Creole world whom she could act herself around, but yet he leaves her to discover herself alone. Considering she feels as if she's an outsider in the life she lives in, I feel sympathetic towards her. She is left alone in a world she doesn't belong in and I know that if it were me in Edna's place I would feel completely lost. Edna expressing her true feelings towards Robert was relieving yet completely saddening because it was just too late.
After discovering that Robert is leaving for Mexico, Edna discovers her true feelings for Robert. She realized that she has become infatuated with him, and this is the point where, without directly stating it, expresses her feelings for him. Since her husband isn't often around and doesn't appear to see her as an equal, Edna has enjoyed being with Robert. But with him leaving, that one person she could be herself around has disappeared out of her life. Because of this, it is evident to see that later Edna begins to act out more and more, expressing herself in ways that she shouldn't and acting in ways that are deemed unacceptable of a woman.
Personally I felt this passage to be depressing. I enjoyed the idea of Robert and Edna being together and when he left I was quite upset. Edna had finally found someone in this Creole world whom she could act herself around, but yet he leaves her to discover herself alone. Considering she feels as if she's an outsider in the life she lives in, I feel sympathetic towards her. She is left alone in a world she doesn't belong in and I know that if it were me in Edna's place I would feel completely lost. Edna expressing her true feelings towards Robert was relieving yet completely saddening because it was just too late.
Chapters 20-25
"'I came to consult--no not to consult--to talk to you about Edna. I don't what ails her.' 'Madame Pontellier not well?' marveled the Doctor. "Why, I saw her--I think it was a week ago--walking along Canal Street, the picture of health, it seemed to me.' 'Yes, yes; she seems quite well," said Mr. Pontellier, leaning forward and whirling his stick between his tow hands; 'but she doesn't act well. She's odd, she's not like herself. I can't maker her out, and I thought perhaps you'd help me.'" (pg 87 ln 29 and pg 88 ln 1-8)
This is the point where Mr. Pontellier has specifically taking notice that his wife is not acting normal. And by normal, the way a wife and mother should be acting. Edna has begun to decide how she wants to act, by not staying in on Tuesdays, painting often, and having odd outbursts. This form of behavior is confusing to Mr. Pontellier because he doesn't understand why a woman would want to act in that sort of way. Also since Edna is basically viewed as a piece of property in his eyes, he wants Edna to act and appear in the best condition so people don't begin to question him or his wife's sanity.
From my point-of-view I believe that Mr. Pontellier knew for quite a while that his wife has been acting out of behavior. However, why he waited so long to address it I believe to be he didn't want people to question him. He is concerned what others will say of his family if they find out that is wife is "crazy." I think that Edna should now be more cautious of her actions because others are watching how she acts and they may be more noticeable. But from evidence in the story, it's clear that Edna will still act how she pleases in order to please herself internally.
This is the point where Mr. Pontellier has specifically taking notice that his wife is not acting normal. And by normal, the way a wife and mother should be acting. Edna has begun to decide how she wants to act, by not staying in on Tuesdays, painting often, and having odd outbursts. This form of behavior is confusing to Mr. Pontellier because he doesn't understand why a woman would want to act in that sort of way. Also since Edna is basically viewed as a piece of property in his eyes, he wants Edna to act and appear in the best condition so people don't begin to question him or his wife's sanity.
From my point-of-view I believe that Mr. Pontellier knew for quite a while that his wife has been acting out of behavior. However, why he waited so long to address it I believe to be he didn't want people to question him. He is concerned what others will say of his family if they find out that is wife is "crazy." I think that Edna should now be more cautious of her actions because others are watching how she acts and they may be more noticeable. But from evidence in the story, it's clear that Edna will still act how she pleases in order to please herself internally.
Chapters 26-32
"The was Robert's reproach making itself felt by a quicker, fiercer, more overpowering love, which had awakened within her toward him. 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. But among the conflicting sensation which assailed her, there was neither shame nor remorse. There was a dull pang of regret because it was not the kiss of love which had inflamed her, because it was not love which had held this cup of life to her lips." (pg 113 ln 7-16)
Edna has one of her greatest awakenings at this moment, two to be exact. She embraces and discovers that she genuinely and passionately is in love with Robert. After reading his letter that he will be returning, she expects him to come and sweep her off her feet. He begins to consume her thoughts, she simply can't get him out of her head, which leads to her approach on Arobin. Edna, the same night she read Robert's letter, kisses Arobin fully and consumingly. This is the "kiss" she is referring to, the kiss that was driven by her sexual desire and passion rather than love. The realization of this awakens Edna, she discovers that she doesn't have to do something out of love, but within the passion and desire within her.
Considering I'm a girl, I felt proud for Edna. I was incredibly glad that, although it wasn't for long, she acted on her own desires rather than what she should act on. Although her thoughts are implied, I'm glad that Chopin chose to directly state them. This exemplified that Edna's thoughts were indeed real and that her awakening was genuinely happening.
Edna has one of her greatest awakenings at this moment, two to be exact. She embraces and discovers that she genuinely and passionately is in love with Robert. After reading his letter that he will be returning, she expects him to come and sweep her off her feet. He begins to consume her thoughts, she simply can't get him out of her head, which leads to her approach on Arobin. Edna, the same night she read Robert's letter, kisses Arobin fully and consumingly. This is the "kiss" she is referring to, the kiss that was driven by her sexual desire and passion rather than love. The realization of this awakens Edna, she discovers that she doesn't have to do something out of love, but within the passion and desire within her.
Considering I'm a girl, I felt proud for Edna. I was incredibly glad that, although it wasn't for long, she acted on her own desires rather than what she should act on. Although her thoughts are implied, I'm glad that Chopin chose to directly state them. This exemplified that Edna's thoughts were indeed real and that her awakening was genuinely happening.
Chapters 33-39
"She stayed alone in a kind of reverie--a sort of stupor. Step by step she lived over every instant of the time she had been with Robert after he had entered Mademoiselle Reisz's door. She recalled his words, his looks. How few and meager they had been for her hungry heart! A vision--a transcendently seductive vision of a Mexican girl arose before her. She writhed with a jealous pang. She wondered when he would come back. He had not said he would come back. She had been with him, had heard his voice and touched his hand. But some way he had seemed nearer to her off there in Mexico." (pg 139 ln 7-17)
Robert has just returned, yet he did not approach Edna how she had imagined he would. She's incredibly upset by this, that he does not come to her with the love she has for him. Edna also explains how he was closer when he was Mexico rather than that moment. This is illustrating that at least while Robert was away she still had the hope that he loved her. Rather than now, when it's evident he's creating and awkward encounter. As a reader, I also felt that this passage foreshadows, that because of something Robert does, Edna will act in a rash decision.
I believe that this encounter between Robert and Edna, is one of the key parts of the ending. Edna has come to the conclusion that she wants to live independently, yet this encounter breaks part of her plan. This portion, to the reader, exemplifies her lack of strength to deal with her independence in the real world. And as I read this I was able to recognize that soon, something tragic would happen, because she had begun to crumble.
Robert has just returned, yet he did not approach Edna how she had imagined he would. She's incredibly upset by this, that he does not come to her with the love she has for him. Edna also explains how he was closer when he was Mexico rather than that moment. This is illustrating that at least while Robert was away she still had the hope that he loved her. Rather than now, when it's evident he's creating and awkward encounter. As a reader, I also felt that this passage foreshadows, that because of something Robert does, Edna will act in a rash decision.
I believe that this encounter between Robert and Edna, is one of the key parts of the ending. Edna has come to the conclusion that she wants to live independently, yet this encounter breaks part of her plan. This portion, to the reader, exemplifies her lack of strength to deal with her independence in the real world. And as I read this I was able to recognize that soon, something tragic would happen, because she had begun to crumble.
Quote of the Novel
"For the first time she recognized the symptoms of infatuation which she had felt incipiently as a child, as a girl in her earliest teens, and later as a young woman. The recognition did not lessen the reality, the poignancy of the revelation by an suggestion or promise of instability. The past was nothing to her; offered no lesson which she was willing to heed. The future was a mystery which she never attempted to penetrate. The present alone was significant; was hers, to torture her as it was doing then with the biting conviction that she had lost that which she had held, that she had been denied that which her impassioned, newly awakened being demanded." (pg 61 ln 5-16)
This being just after Robert left, is when Edna discovers her love for Robert. But it's more than that, it's that she also finds what she desires. In this single quote from the novel it illustrates all of her awakenings that occurs throughout the length of the book. Edna desired the passion in a relationship, to be in love again and she finds this love from Robert and the passion from Arobin. But the quote also exemplifies her lack of care for her past, of the person she is supposed to be, and her desire for the future. This quote also makes evident of Edna's frustration with her society, for taking what "which her impassioned,...being demanded." Edna wants to be an independent woman, she wants to rely on her own choices rather than others. However, in her creole society this is practically impossible, causing Edna to be left alone and struggling with her life till the end of the book.
This being just after Robert left, is when Edna discovers her love for Robert. But it's more than that, it's that she also finds what she desires. In this single quote from the novel it illustrates all of her awakenings that occurs throughout the length of the book. Edna desired the passion in a relationship, to be in love again and she finds this love from Robert and the passion from Arobin. But the quote also exemplifies her lack of care for her past, of the person she is supposed to be, and her desire for the future. This quote also makes evident of Edna's frustration with her society, for taking what "which her impassioned,...being demanded." Edna wants to be an independent woman, she wants to rely on her own choices rather than others. However, in her creole society this is practically impossible, causing Edna to be left alone and struggling with her life till the end of the book.