Free Sample Essays > Literature
The Awakening - A Critical Analysis
Edna’s “awakening” begins with her growing friendship with Madame Ratignolle. Madame Ratignolle, the epitome of an elegant woman of the times, somehow evokes Edna’s innermost repressed desires and starts her process of setting them free. Perhaps Madame Ratignolle’s happiness in the system, in her position, made Edna long to unleash her own happiness and inner peace.
Robert’s attachment to Edna intensifies her longing to be free from her responsibilities as a wife and mother. He befriends her and the two become quite close before the summer comes to a close. His companionship makes her feel more independent of her husband, for she seems to spend more time confiding in Robert than in Leonce, her husband. Madame Ratignolle realizes that it’s dangerous for Robert to attach himself to Edna like he has done to so many women. She knows that Edna needs no encouragement or temptation to follow her rebellious desires. Robert distracts Edna from her children, husband, and social obligations.
There is a recurring image that Edna seems to remember throughout The Awakening, of an open field that has no beginning and no end. This field that she always seems to be wandering in represents her longing for freedom, and the fact that she might think that some traditional system of life was meaningless. This recurring daydream also embodies the control and power she desires to obtain. Edna feels burdened by the responsibilities she is inclined to, based on women’s societal obligations and the way they are expected to act. She eventually succumbs to her dream, controlling her life at the end of the book, and her life, when she swims out into the open ocean never to return.
Robert puts more color in Edna’s life and evokes her creativity; she pursues her desire to paint. She follows her urge to neglect customary “woman’s work” and his influence makes her defiant and more disobedient towards her husband, Leonce Pontellier. For example, when Leonce asks Edna to come to bed one night because it’s getting late, Edna refuses to be told what to do. She goes to bed when she decides she wants to, and defies her husband’s control or influence of her.
Robert’s absence also has a powerful effect on Edna. Robert moves to Mexico because of the fact that he has fallen in love with Edna, a married woman whom he cannot pursue. During Robert’s absence, Edna ignores her regular social agenda, paints many pictures, and in time, moves into a new house, where it seems as if she is in control and not property of anyone. Leonce leaves town on business and the children go to visit their grandparents, so Edna has no responsibilities, and dismisses many of the servants so as to feel even more independent.
Alcee Arobin, the town ladies man, enters Edna’s life and “fulfills Edna’s sexual desires” yet never emotionally connects with Edna as Robert has. He satisfies her carnal needs, but Edna keeps enough distance to feel unattached. Alcee in no way comes close to filling Robert’s position as [next page]