The relationship between the inspired artist and the muse is a relationship characterized by intimacy and profound mutual understanding. For Edna Pontellier, her identity as an artist was inspired by her own awakening, her process of self-discovery wherein she attempts to shed her image of a subdued housewife in exchange for an identity marked by independence. This process is not easy for Edna. Her identity as an artist is influenced by two characters, Mademoiselle Reisz and Mademoiselle Ratignolle. Mademoiselle Reisz is an unmarried and childless woman who expresses her individuality through her music. Edna considers Mademoiselle Reisz to be a true artist and wishes to mold her newly-awakened life away from societal norms, just as Mademoiselle Reisz did. Mademoiselle Ratignolle is a foil to Mademoiselle Reisz; she is a dutiful housewife who represents Edna’s lifestyle before her awakening, a lifestyle she is eager to shed. Both women play piano for Edna. However, Edna is emotionally connected to Mademoiselle …show more content…
After moving out of the home she shared with her husband, Edna downsizes and moves into a house she dubs, “the pigeon house” (87). Edna buys this house for herself and supports herself by selling her paintings as she relays to Mademoiselle Reisz that she “has sold a good many paintings through Laidpore” (76), her teacher. Edna’s decision to live on her own and financially support herself is contrary to the lifestyles of most women during this time. In consideration of the setting, most women were expected to live with their parents until they were married; once married, most women did not hold jobs outside of domestic housework and were financially supported by their husbands. Edna’s choice to financially support herself by selling her artwork gives her, “the felling of freedom and independence” (76) as Edna continues to define herself as an