In chapter 17 of "The Awakening," Edna Pontellier is struggling with her growing feelings of independence and her desire to break free from the traditional gender roles and expectations placed upon her as a woman in late 19th century Louisiana.
At the beginning of the chapter, Edna is in the midst of a heated conversation with her husband, LĂ©once, in which he tries to assert his authority over her and dictate her actions. LĂ©once is angry and frustrated with Edna's recent behavior, which he sees as rebellious and unbecoming of a proper wife. He tells her that she must return to her duties as a mother and hostess and give up her aspirations to be an artist.
Edna, however, is unwilling to conform to these expectations and pushes back against LĂ©once's attempts to control her. She asserts her own autonomy and refuses to be subservient to her husband. This confrontation marks a significant turning point in Edna's journey towards self-discovery and independence, as she begins to understand her own power and agency.
As the chapter continues, Edna's feelings of independence are further reinforced by her interactions with other characters. She finds solace and support in her friendship with Mademoiselle Reisz, a eccentric and independent pianist who encourages Edna to pursue her own passions and desires. Edna also begins to develop a deeper understanding of her own identity and sexuality, as she becomes attracted to Robert Lebrun and begins to explore her own desires and needs.
Overall, chapter 17 of "The Awakening" is a pivotal moment in Edna's journey towards self-discovery and independence. It is a turning point in which she asserts her own agency and refuses to conform to the traditional gender roles and expectations placed upon her. Through her interactions with LĂ©once, Mademoiselle Reisz, and Robert Lebrun, Edna begins to understand her own power and desire for autonomy, setting the stage for the events of the rest of the novel.
The Awakening Chapter 17 Summary
With every passing hour, I've seen her strength wane. It symbolizes her rebirth, sexual awakening, and self-discovery. She reveals her passions and how she would give almost anything for her children. It is based on finance and ownership. Though she has found herself inexplicably unhappy many times before, she has always felt comforted by the kindness and devotion of her husband. It is his constant escape, and he goes there whenever things are not to his liking.
The Awakening Chapter 17 Summary and Analysis
I beg of you, Mara! When Robert tells her a story of a spirit seeking a mortal worthy of visiting the semi-celestials, and of how that spirit selected Edna as his companion this night, she dismisses the tale as mere banter, not realizing that Robert is trying to express that he understands how she feels. After Robert and Edna put Etienne to bed, Robert bids her good night and Edna remarks that they have been together all day. The relationship between the two lovers, however, was entirely chaste. She shoved it to the back of her mind violently, eyes stone cold as she centred her thoughts on the trials. What happened at the stone gods.
Inexorable Death
On Tuesday afternoons—Tuesday being Mrs. Luckily, her ears were naturally sharp from years of carefully listening out for her enemies--or tormentors. I would never have thought. . Needless to say Like all wedding rings, Edna's ring has symbolic value. She hopes he does not forget her and walks away. Turn within, then, not to escape, but to discern the veils that color reality, bringing all to Love for healing and correction.
The Awakening Chapter 14
Once she went to her room and studied the cookbook during an entire evening, finally writing out a menu for the week, which left her harassed with a feeling that, after all, she had accomplished no good that was worth the name. . She has grown accustom to seeing him, spending time with him, and receiving his kind attention. I am truly sorry. The middle of the novel takes place in New Orleans, where Edna lives with her family in a large home, which LĂ©once owns and has full control over. It's an honor to have a royal as my friend.
