Posted by Tatyana Lazukova (24.23.55.15) on July 11, 2005 at 8:27:57 p.m.:
In Reply to: Re: Question One: The Awakening posted by Katie Hartman on July 11, 2005 at 4:39:08 p.m.:
The two women are presented at the beginning of the novel as very close friends. Edna shares her thoughts and secrets about marriage with Adele. However, later in the novel they contrast each other.
The contrast between Adele and Edna is very well seen during dinner. Adele is completely devoted to her husband and his opinion. When he speaks, she gives her complete attention, she even stops eating to hear him better. Adele is a perfect example of a mother and a wife. Edna, in contrast, is not motherly. She is independent.
I agree with you that Mr.Ponteliier is a very traditional husband. I think that Enda had a lack of interest in his business, which bothered him.
The problems in Edna's marriage are very clear from the beginning. Leonce did not think of Edna as a partner in marriage, but as a possession. He didn't respect her feelings, in contrst to Robert.
>Edna is by far the more independent one. She refuses to be the traditional housewife living in her husband's shadow. Adele on the other hard sees no other option, but to live in her husband's shadow and be the perfect housewife. Edna depicts a much more outgoing, sexual character. Opposed to Adele as the reserved wife. Mr. Pontellier takes his wife and his position as the man of the house for granted. He gets upset when Edna does not do her usueal chores, such as returning someones letter or phone call. He is much more of a traditional husband then Robert who is the younger man. Robert does not own a buisness or have a family. Robert goes where he thinks he can find work and money.