In Kate Chopin’s novel, The Awakening, she uses different characters to show the varying ways in which a woman might fit into the role of a mother-woman. A mother-woman is a woman who gives up her own individuality for her family, for she will only do what benefits her children and husband. Since these types of women worship their husbands, they see it as an honor to not think for themselves but instead follow their husband’s lead blindly. These women hover around their children when they believe they are in harm's way; furthermore, these women idolize their children because the women believe they are the sole purpose for their existence. Of Chopin’s characters in her novel, three of them show what is does and does not mean to be considered …show more content…
Mademoiselle Reisz has a substantial impact on the decisions that Edna finds herself making throughout the novel. Mademoiselle Reisz is described as a, “disagreeable little woman, no longer young, who has quarreled with almost everyone, owing to a temper which was self-assertive and a disposition to trample upon the rights of others” (Chopin 28). Chopin depicts Mademoiselle Reisz as someone who is temperamental and assertive, which is not ideal for a mother-woman. She is happy being childless because she throws herself into her music and independent life-style. She does not have a husband to report back to, for she is living on her own, which is frowned upon by the majority of society. By acting as a mentor, Mademoiselle Reisz presents to Edna an alternative way to live her life. A mother-woman is happy conforming to what society wants them to be, but Mademoiselle Reisz does not share this same attitude. She believes that women should strive for something more than taking care of their children and home; she tells Edna that she should possess the courageous soul of an artist, “‘What do you mean by the courageous soul?’ ‘Courageous, ma foi! The brave soul. The soul that dares and defies.’” (Chopin 69). This emphasizes Mademoiselle Reisz’s