Posted by Gary Walmer to Kristi (67.172.168.223) on July 11, 2005 at 7:48:22 p.m.:
In Reply to: Re: Question One: The Awakening posted by Kristi Vang on July 11, 2005 at 6:53:28 p.m.:
Dear Kristi
Please understand I would not willfully hold in any form of disrespect your viewpoint. Yet please allow me to examine the classic literature with a view to a post modern light. My comparisons were intended to bring these characters to life in our world. As a father of three girls it is imperative that I explain things in a manner in which they can relate. I am sorry if you were offended in any manner, but once again please allow this reader the freedom to express his views as he relates the story to his own world.
Thank you.
>Gary,
>I don't quite understand your comparisions of Edna to Madonna and Adele to Zsa Zsa. Further, Leonce to Donald Trump and Robert Leburn to Pierce Bronson make no sense to me either. This is classic literature, with characters of great depth and detail. The reference to modern day celebreties only serves to diminish this work.
>Kristi
>>>
>>>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.
>>Edna is an independent thinker who by observation of her suitor's, appears to be very attractive. Although she is not willing to allow the rules of society to harness her in, this in no way negates her strong and sensuous femininity. Adeles' femininity is expressed in the modern trends of the culture she lived in. Her appearance was very proper to those she encountered. Like a work of art she was very beautiful to the beholder. If these two were living in modern times, Edna could be compared to Madonna, and Adele to Zsa Zsa Gabor.
>>Leonce would probably be considered in his time, one of the guys. He was the elite club socialite who prided himself in his possessions. I am not sure he would be considered masculine by the pure definition of the word, but he was more of a man's man then was Robert. Robert for his time was somewhat Metro in his approach toward women. He was a romantic, who showered his affection on the women he sought after. Comparing the two men to today's known personalities, Leonce could be represented by Donald Trump, while Robert would be more of a match with Peirce Bronson. That’s my take on the matter. (Smile)
>>Gary