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The Awakening

“The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings. It is a sad spectacle to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth.”
― Kate Chopin, The Awakening

Chopin compares Edna to the bird. This is symbolism because as we know has been having a hard time with societal expectations and living the life she wants. She put up a good fight but eventually she decided to die because she did not want to give herself up for her children and live a life that would be miserable. Edna because the bruised, exhausted weaklings that fluttered back to earth. It truly is a sad spectacle like described in this quote.

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Grand Isle, Louisiana

Grand Isle, Louisiana

This is where Edna spent her summer with her family and the other Creole families. You can see why she was so relaxed while here and why she never wanted to leave. Ultimately she took her life in the same place that made her feel free from societal expectations and the duties of being a wife and mother. The water symbolizes this freedom and also a sort of seduction for Edna. She died without feeling burdened and chained to anything or anyone.

A Self-Determined Ending

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Dear Mademoiselle Reisz,

It has come to my attention that I will be unable to live the life in the way I had hoped. The other day I ran into Robert while visiting my favorite spot to eat. He still does not understand that I am not a possession. I will lead the life I want to live by being free from possessors. Robert and I could be married, in fact, we both want to be married but Robert is so caught up in the idea of ownership and me being owned by Leonce that it will not be possible. Robert told me that he could not respect my love if it were to only be seen in adultery. I know he loves me, as I do him, but he is torn, torn between what is right and what he wants. I think we both know which of those two won the war.

I feel lonely and trapped by what society wants from me. I finally found independence from my husband but it is not enough. My two boys are the only thing that keeps me grounded and shackled to society. I know this may sound terribly awful coming from a woman who should love and cherish her children, but to me it does not. They prevent me from being independent. I would give my life but not myself for them.

I will be visiting Grand Isle alone for a few days to ease my mind.

See you on the other side,

Edna

Concerns & Worries

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Dear Diary,

I am extremely concerned with my wife’s well being. I feel like she has been mentally unbalanced ever since we returned back home to New Orleans. It is unnerving to imagine my beautiful wife with such a disease. I went to see the family doctor and friend, Doctor Mandelet this morning. I expressed my concern with him, telling him how lately we have not had any contact, especially physical contact. He had asked me if she had been around well educated women but honestly she is not around anyone. It saddens me to see her just wander around the house and not interact with anyone, even for Tuesday receptions. Nothing in her heredity is of concern, considering she is from a respectable Presbyterian family. Doctor told me to send her to her sister’s wedding but I do not think she will enjoy this news. Quite frankly I think she will get angry with me for forcing her to go. I invited Doctor Mandelet over for dinner so he can see for himself just how strange and off her behavior really is. I can only hope it is something I can fix and nothing more. I pray it is nothing more.

Léonce

Feelings Exposed

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Dear Robert,

I have really missed hearing from you. Seeing you every day over the summer to nothing at all truly breaks my heart. So I have taken the time to write you this letter in the hopes that I can hear back from you.

I have returned back to New Orleans to a life filled with luxuries and possessions unknown to those who live on Grand Isle. Sometimes I wonder what the purpose of owning all these extravagant items is, but Léonce insists that they are a necessity. I beg to differ. Lately Léonce and I have not been each others best company. We seem to fight over the silliest things– I went out instead of having people over on Tuesday and dinner was not what he wanted. It’s a constant struggle to keep him, the children, and myself happy. I miss you Robert. I miss the time we spent together, the way the island felt, and the way you made me feel. I hope that you will return home soon, surely it will be within the month? I hope to here from you soon.

All my love,

Edna

Decisions

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Dear Abby,

Every summer I come to Grand Isle so I may spend my summer helping the beautiful women and their families here. My mother owns this land and because of this I’ve been coming for several years. The island in itself is beautiful but even more so this year. I have met a woman, a truly wonderful one I might add, that I’m starting to really care for. Her name is Edna. We have spent our time together with the children, while also sewing, knitting, painting, swimming, and napping. It has been so relaxing and carefree. I’m not really sure if it’s the environment or my heart, but I have these feelings for Edna like I’ve never had with any other woman. There is only one problem– Edna is married. She seems unhappy with her life now and I know I can give her everything she needs to lead the life she always dreamt she would. This is such a hard decision which is why I need your help. Do I pursue my heart and Edna or just leave her be?

I hope to hear from you in the near future,

Mr. Sticky Situation

Summer Relaxation & Uncomfortability

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Dear Diary,

Being that I used to live in Bluegrass Kentucky and on a plantation in Mississippi, New Orleans was a huge transition for me. I was lucky to have such a great husband to help me conform quickly. Now that the boys are older, four and five, we have decided that this summer we will take the time to relax and enjoy ourselves on Grand Isle, an island of the coast of Louisiana. I have taken this time to knit, swim, draw, and paint. It has been such a pleasure to just take this time to enjoy myself and meet new people. But there’s a downside to every good situation. I feel as if it’s a reminiscence on the time when I first moved to New Orleans with Leonce. I may not be permanently living here, but for the summer this will be my home. I am having a hard time blending in with the other families here. They are Creoles, I am not. They are not ashamed to discuss their private lives openly with people they are hardly familar with. This vacation has been yet another huge transition for me because of this. I am very embarrassed to share every detail of my life with these people. I’m more reserved and shy than the people who accompany me on this island. Nonetheless, I have made some really great friends. Adele Ratignolle is my dear friend who is the perfect mother and wife. I’m sure Leonce wishes I was like her. Adele’s relationship with her children is unbreakable and on top of that, her husband and her are soul mates. I can only hope that Leonce and I’s relationship can be like this and I can be a mother like her.. I do not feel as if I was made to be a mother. I am not attached to my children or the general aspect of motherhood. Is this a bad thing? I have yet to feel something good about being a mother and wife. On a positive note, I have met Robert Lebrun who has been a great help to the children and I. They love him and I enjoy his company. We are passionate about the same things– art, nature. Adele and Robert have truly helped me to relax and enjoy the ups and downs of this vacation. I have high hopes that this will be what I need to figure out who I am and to help with the relationships in my life. I’m going to the sea now. It is truly a beautiful sight. I think I could watch it all day.

Until Later,

Edna