The Awakening

There is no doubt that The Awakening is regarded as a classic piece of literature. Kate Chopin does an amazing job creating this story; however, there is a piece of this story that makes it hard to get behind. That piece is the character of Edna.

With all due respect—Edna sounds like a bitch. I understand that someone could feel a lot of pressure from the presumed social norms, and want to trail braze their own path; however, many of Edna’s behaviors are borderline irresponsible, naive (and in my opinion, pathetic). As a respectable human being you are going to face situations, circumstances, problems, etc. that you would rather not face; however, you push on. You address the problem and you solve it—it is that plain, it is that simple. 

This leads me to my greatest point against the character of Edna—motherhood. How in the world do you, as a human being, carry a newborn for nine months and feel less than nothing for them? That repulses and strikes such a cord in me that it almost makes me want to cheer against this entity. I know the reason why I feel so strongly about this. It is because my own mother has played such a crucial role in my life. Without her there would not be a chance that I am here in college, and there is a good chance I would be getting into trouble. Compounding this sentiment further, I have seen the damaging effects that can arise from a mothers absence. One of my best friends in junior high had a mother who committed suicides. The shock wave of turmoil that that event ravages still haunts my good friend today—nine years later. 

That shock wave did not only affect my friend. It uprooted the life of his father. Lost in a sea of grief he began to drink more, smoke more, and come home at all hours of the night. This reaction isn't unheard of, and because isn't uncommon. I can only feel sympathy for Edna’s husband, Leonce, especially given the reality of becoming a single father.

Edna’s irresponsibility stretches beyond family (one of the most valued facets of life). This leads me to another factor attributing to why I disdain Edna so profoundly, it is because her actions are completely self-absorbed and self-motivated. Again, I understand where Edna could be coming from given the repressive and unfair treatment handed to women of that time; however, two wrongs do not make a right. Therefore, I believe it to be morally detestable that Edna cheats on her husband. Such weakness to resist temptation goes (in my opinion) a long way in coloring the nature of Edna’s character.

In conclusion, Edna’s irresponsible and naive behavior isn't enough to redeem her. Furthermore, I am more confused as to why the label “courage” and “bravery” bestow upon the ideal and practices of Edna.