Delectable Quote Selectables

Based upon thesis statement 3: "Edna is never able to truly gain her independence in The Awakening, she relies on men consistently throughout the novella and they influence her decisions, even in death."


1.) Even while Edna goes about simple tasks and daily routines, her free will is restrained. Edna relies on the men around her as a dog relies on commands from its master.

'Are you going bathing?' asked Robert of Mrs. Pontellier... 'I'm tired; I think not...' 'Oh, come!' he insisted. 'You mustn't miss your bath. Come on. The water must be delicious: it will not hurt you. Come.' He reached up for her big rough straw hat that hung on a peg outside the door, and put it on her head... Edna Pontellier could not have told why, wishing to go to the beach with Robert, she should have in the first place declined, and in the second place have followed in obedience... (Chopin 14-15)

Edna had no intention of bathing on this day and did not wish to attend the beach, and yet she did both of these on the mere whim of Robert Lebrun. Although bathing is a remedial endeavor, Edna still submits her independent decision to stay in, for a man.



2.) As Mrs. Pontellier is bringing an end to her own misunderstood life thoughts of Robert are in her head. Although her decision to die is her own, it is not devoid of male influence.

'Good-by-- because I love you.' He did not know; he did not understand. He would never understand. Perhaps Doctor Mandelet would have understood if she had seen him-- but it was too late; the shore was far behind her, and her strength was gone. (Chopin 137)

Robert Lebrun did not understand that Edna would have done anything to be with him. She would give up the unessential, herself, and even her independence because she will never be able to gain what she believes to be independence. Edna Pontellier will forever be in need of a male counterpart and Robert is the ultimate male counterpart. He is the only one she wants. Because Edna knows she will never be "free" with Robert and will always depend on Mr. Pontellier she decides to die.

In Response to.... Conversation

She has been dealt a hand of high difficulty. Her parents suffer from psychological disorders and struggle with drug abuse. She said it's more like a community of people raised her, or a strong group of women. Despite the latter statements my friend Rachel does not seek reparations from the world and she does not seem victimized or like anyone owes her anything. She wants to give back. Rachel wants to give kids what she received and values highly: knowledge and inspiration. She wants to help the youth express themselves through writing and poetry.

In high school Jeff Kass and his wife Karen Smite gave Rachel affirmation for her poetic abilities. They gave her more strength than anyone to endure the shit that life can deal a young girl each day. I believe they helped Rachel to build upon her sense of self and they boosted the growth of the woman she is today.

Rachel says she's care free and a free spirit but she doesn't see a clear definition of those terms. She is always willing to pursue her own ideals and wherever that may take her as a young woman. In my opinion she defines the previously ambiguous terms with her vibrant personality. This person and personality is loud in her writing and poetry. Rachel has won slam competitions with her poems and even spoke out for a rally at the state capital; she believes that harm is being done to education in Michigan.

I am more than lucky to know this strong young woman and call her my friend.