Posted by Sara Dastoum (24.10.25.68) on July 11, 2005 at 8:25:34 p.m.:
In Reply to: Question One: The Awakening posted by Jeanne Guerin on July 8, 2005 at 8:52:43 a.m.:
Depictions of femininity as modeled by Edna Pontellier and Adele Ratignolle differ greatly. Perhaps at the time Chopin's novel came out, Adele Ratignolle would be considered the more feminine of the two. Adele took on the stereotypical feminin qualities expected of women in the society during that particular time. Adele would sacrifice her time for her husband and children. Edna on the other hand, did not tend to her children as much as was expected of her, and she often went after what she wanted.
Depictions of masculinity as modeled by Leonce Pontellier and Robert Lebrun do not differ too much. However, during the time the novel came out, Leonce Pontellier would probably be considered the less masculine of the two. Leonce gave his wife more independence that other men in that same society were giving their wives.