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The Awakening - A Critical Analysis
as Edna’s love; he befriends her and keeps her company, while allowing her to sustain her new found independence.
Mademoiselle Reisz also aids Edna in breaking the barrier between her desired, fantastical world and the way she is expected to be acting. The incredible devotion that Mademoiselle Reisz has to her music sets her apart from the proper women of the time. Robert fully confides in Mademoiselle Reisz of his intense feelings for Edna, as is expressed in the numerous letters he mails Mademoiselle Reisz. She encourages Edna to act on her impulse and do whatever makes her happy. She wants Edna to follow her heart, unlike the ideal woman of the times would encourage her to do.
Mademoiselle Reisz serves as the woman Edna could have become had she not given herself away to marriage so young and conformed to the duties of womanhood. This artistic woman devotes herself to her music and is influenced and obligated to no one. She understands the way music and beautiful art truly touches Edna and envelopes her wholly, distracting her from any of her womanly responsibilities.