Character Analysis of Edna Pontellier.
The novel The Awakening by Kate Chopin describes the transformation of Edna Pontellier from a self-less, conventional, and passive typical Louisiana woman of the 1800's to a defiant, independent, and assertive individual. The novel describes a period in her life when Edna rediscovers her own identity and develops inner strength and courage to break through societal conventions in order to acknowledge and act upon her own passions and desires. Edna comes to realize that nothing, not her children nor her husband, is worth giving up her own self. Eventually, Edna conquers convention by committing suicide as a sign of integrity and independence. .
The novel begins with Edna, her husband Leonce, and her children on a summer vacation at the resort of Grand Isle. When they arrive at Grand Isle, Edna is in a sort of semi-conscious state. She is unaware of her own feelings because she is living a life where her own self is drowned by her responsibilities and social expectations. Since her marriage to Leonce, Edna has taken on the role of a traditional wife and mother and is seemingly very satisfied with her marriage. Edna, however, is not what society would call a "mother-woman- who "[flutters] about with extended, protecting wings- and desires nothing more than to serve and protect their families. Leonce's criticism that Edna is a negligent mother reveals that in addition to feeling trapped by society, Edna is also rebuked by society for parting from conventions. All around Grand Isle, Leonce is known as "the best husband in the world- and even Edna "admits that she [knows] of none better."" Edna can find nothing worthy of discontentment, especially when she is showered with "the abundance of her husband's kindness and [his] uniform devotion- for her. Before her transformation, Edna is very poised and controlled. She tries hard to follow society's conventions and doesn't dare to do anything outside of the norms like being intimate with another male other than her husband.
(p. 477). This paragraph foreshadows Edna"'"s eventual death. ... The touch of the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace'"'(p. 477). ... A bird with a broken wing was beating the air above, reeling, fluttering, circling disabled down, down to the water'"'(p. 558). ... The touch of the sea is senuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace'"' (p.558). ...
Edna's Victorious End In Kate Chopin's novel, The Awakening, Edna Pontellier begins a journey of self-discovery. ... In actuality, Edna's suicide becomes a victorious ending for Edna. ... Edna cannot fall asleep again. ... Later, Edna goes on a swim. ... While sleeping, Edna is at peace. ...
In the novel, The Awakening, Edna Pontellier goes through many changes. ... On Grand Isle, Edna acts how a wife is expected to act. ... Léonce still shows his power over Edna by replying to Edna asking him if he is coming in by saying "Yes, dear just as soon as I have finished my cigar.""... When Robert and Edna go to Madame Antoine's house, Edna begins to awaken even more. ... By doing this, Edna further separates herself from Leonce. ...
Edna responds, "I don't wish to go in, and I don't intend to. ... In search of direction for her life Edna seeks guidance from Mademoiselle Reisz. ... Edna leaves hastily after receiving Mademoiselle Reisz's address. ... Edna's exploration of her sexual desires begins with Arobin, and ends with Robert. ... Edna realizes that her actions will directly affect how society views her children. ...
EDNA'S SELF-EXPRESSION In Kate Chopin's novel The Awakening, the protagonist, Edna Pontellier, suddenly finds herself dissatisfied with her marriage and the conservative lifestyle that it allows. ... (Chopin 45) "As the music ceases to conjure up images in Edna's mind, it becomes for Edna a sort of call to something within herself (Ward 5). Mademoiselle Reisz feels that she has been communicating with Edna through the music: "Mademoiselle Reisz perceived [Edna's] agitation and even her tears.. . ... Adele, having shown Edna that they can be open and honest with one an...
Edna's second awakening began when the man by the name Robert asks Edna if she would like to go for a bath before dinner. ... That was the end of Edna Pontellier. ... Alcee becomes intimate with Edna. Though occasionally crude, Alcee attracts Edna. ... All of Edna's actions were not unintentional. ...
One of the novel's minor characters, Adele Ratignolle, serves as a foil to Edna, illustrating all the qualities of the ideal nineteenth century housewife which Edna refuses to adopt. ... In comparison, Edna, though admitting Mr. ... This is one way in which Edna strays from the perfect housewife image that Adele embodies. ... As the author points out, Edna is not a mother-woman. ... Edna declares, "I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself" (47). ...
(Suicide and Depression p. 14) Since Edna was unable to realize her dreams and her creativity, she felt trapped and could not be happy. ... When Edna had come back from the ! ... (The Awakening, p. 2) Mr. ... (Suicide Problems p.28) They feel inadequate, useless, and unneeded and choose death over life. ... (Suicidal Women p.19) To be responsible for another life and caring for another life is extremely difficult. ...
(P.2) As a result of her unhappiness, Edna pursues other men. ... Edna's other affair is with Arobin, a known heartbreaker. ... Edna states, she will not sacrifice herself for anyone, not even her children. ... Another example is when Edna learned how to swim. ... Edna swims into the inviting sea, never to return. ...
