Throughout my previous blog posts, the effects of expectations put onto women have been discussed. Women are expected to stay at home, take care of the house and the children, and always support their husbands. Due to this, women never have the time for hobbies. They can never put their wants and needs first. This idea is especially prominent within Kate Chopin’s novel The Awakening. The novel takes place during the late nineteenth century. During this time, the idea of women indulging in hobbies and a lifestyle that pleased them was unheard of. In my opinion, this is really sad. Women are so powerful, and without them, we would not have anyone to give birth to children. Women are more empathetic than men, they are gentle souls. So, I believe the world should always appreciate women and let them do as they please, just as men do!
During this time period, if a woman did as she pleased, others were quick to assume she had lost her mind! Within the novel, Mr. Pontellier is not happy with his wife choosing to complete tasks in which she enjoys. I find his response to her self love to be revealing of his true character: “It sometimes entered Mr. Pontellier’s mind to wonder if his wife were not growing a little unbalanced mentally. He could see plainly she was not herself. That is, he could not see that she was becoming herself and daily casting aside that fictitious self which we assume like a garment with which to appear before the world”.(Chopin 147-148). These lines show that Mr. Pontellier is quick to assume something is wrong with his wife, when she finally starts to care for herself. His idea of his wife and who she is does not match who she truly is.
The shift from Mr. Pontellier’s perspective to Edna’s shows how differently they view the situation. Mr. Pontellier views Edna as a lazy wife and mother, who is probably going insane because she is not herself, she is not completing her usual tasks. In contrast, Edna views the situation as her finally putting herself first, and learning who she truly is. She is tired of playing a role, and is ready to dig deep into herself and reveal her true nature to society. Edna is done fulfilling a role. Of course, I agree with Edna in this situation. I think that she deserves to indulge in activities that please her. She deserves to have alone time, and Mr. Pontellier can watch after the children. I know this is not accurate for this time period, but the obvious inequalities in this marriage anger me.
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