Mademoiselle Reisz In The Awakening

The novel “The Awakening” by Kate Chopin is about Edna Pontellier, a wealthy housewife living in Louisiana during the late nineteenth century, and her journey of self-liberation. Edna Pontellier feels unfulfilled with her marriage to Leonce Pontellier, and her role as a mother. Edna meets, and falls in love with Robert Lebrun over the summer while her family is vacationing at a resort in Grand Isle. After the summer ends, and Edna returns home to New Orleans, she begins making lifestyle changes in order to bring back the feeling of happiness that she felt with Robert while in Grand Isle. Edna Pontellier experiments by having an affair, and attempts to live as an artist by taking up painting.While trying to discover who own individual identity,

Edna admires her independence, and wants the life of freedom that Mademoiselle Reisz lives. When Mademoiselle Reisz is first introduced she is described as a “disagreeable little woman, no longer young, who had quarreled with almost every one, owing to a temper which was self-assertive and a disposition to trample upon the rights of others” (22). This description of Mademoiselle Reisz highlights her independence and assertiveness. Mademoiselle Reisz does not care about hiding her opinions, and lives her life in ignorance of societal expectations. However, living life in ignorance of societal expectations comes at a cost for Mademoiselle Reisz, as she is seen as unlikeable amongst others. However, Edna is greatly inspired by Mademoiselle, and the music that plays. When Mademoiselle Reisz plays for Edna she experiences a powerful moment. “The very passions themselves were aroused within her soul, swaying it, lashing it, as the waves daily beat upon her splendid body. She trembled, she was choking and the tears blinded her” (23). Edna’s reaction to Mademoiselle Reisz’s music shows how affected Edna is by art. Edna feels such a strong reaction, and it inspires her. Art in “The Awakening” symbolizes freedom and self expression. When later in the novel when Edna becomes more involved with painting, she becomes more independent and “awakened.” Mademoiselle

Edna Pontellier tries to commit to a life like Adele or Mademoiselle Reisz, but neither work. Edna still tries however, to gain more independence. Edna goes against tradition, and begins making her own money by selling her paintings, and gambling at the racetrack. Edna even makes enough money to buy her own house, and so she buys a pigeon house where she is able to paint. In order to fulfill her sexual desires, Edna begins an affair with Alcee Arobin. At the end of the novel, while Edna is living this life of independency in the pigeon house, Robert comes back. Edna is thrilled to be reunited with her love. After being reunited, and discussing their relationship Edna has to leave Robert to be by Adele’s side during childbirth. Adele’s childbirth leaves Edna feeling shaken, as she feels terrible that she is unable to be the kind of mother that Adele is. Upon returning, Edna finds a note from Robert that reads “I love you. Good-by-- because I love you” (93). Edna having already been upset by the realization she has about the role of women during Adele’s childbirth, is pushed over the edge by Robert’s leaving her. Edna saw Robert as the one guaranteed way of making her feel happy, so losing him is like losing her will to live. Before, Edna left Adele’s side after she gave birth Adele urged her to “think of the children” (92). Edna’ contemplates