Posted by Tatyana Lazukova (24.23.55.15) on July 11, 2005 at 5:11:01 p.m.:
In Reply to: Question One: The Awakening posted by Jeanne Guerin on July 8, 2005 at 8:52:43 a.m.:
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>Discuss depictions of femininity as modeled by Edna Pontellier and Adele Ratignolle and masculinity as modeled by Mr. Pontellier and Robert Lebrun. Read and reply to others, by Tuesday at 10 pm.
Femininity as revealed Edna Pontellier and Adele Ratignolle are in contrast . Adele Ratignolle is a dutiful, obedient woman who happily plays the social role of a wife and a mother. She devotes herself to the family, her husband and her children. In contrast, Edna Pontellier only seems to have a happy marriage. The truth is that she cannot find true happiness. She is independent and family duties are not priority number one for her. She is in the process of self-discovery. She disobeys rules of the society as a married woman. She decided to start an independent life and she wasn’t afraid of any risk.
Masculinity as presented by Mr. Pontellier and Robert Lebrun do not contrast so much. Both men have successful business, are responsible. Mr. Pontellier is responsible in terms that he provides a very decent living for his family; Robert is responsible in terms that he left Edna, possibly trying to protect her and himself from the consequences of their relationship.
Mr. Pontellier is demonstrated as a very controlling, possessive husband of his wife who doesn’t care of her feelings. In contrast, Robert respects Edna’s feelings.