"'I would give up the unessential; I would give my money, I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself.'" The Awakening pg.64
The quote above shows that Edna lacks one of the essential qualities of a "mother woman" like Madame Ratignolle during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. That quality is the willingness of a mother to hide or give up her true self for the sake of her children. Of course, Madame Ratignolle has no problem doing this because she is the ideal "mother woman" who will give up anything for her children. Edna however, refuses to give up who she is which includes her recent but yet unknown desire to be independent from society's expectations of her.
"She was fond of her children in an uneven, impulsive way. She would sometimes gather them passionately to her heart; she would sometimes forget them... Their absence was a sort of relief." (pg. 25)
Madame Ratignolle is a perfect example of a "mother woman" because she would sacrifice anything for the sake of her children. Edna does not have the same passion for her children. She cares for them, but them leaving really has no negative effect on her. She cares much more for herself than her children, and this is why she is not an exemplar of a mother figure.
""Do you know it is past one o'clock? Come on," and he mounted the steps and went into their room. "Edna!" called Mr. Pontellier from within, after a few moments had gone by. "Don't wait for me,"she answered. He thrust his head through the door." (Pg. 41) - Madame Ratignolle is the exact opposite of Edna. Even though this quote doesn't express any references to her or children, it shows Edna's independence and opposition to her husband. She is only about herself and does not listen to anyone, not even her husband or children. A key characteristic of what makes a good mother is to listen to her family and live life by example. Her opposition to the social laws do not give Edna a positive spotlight.
"Edna had once told Mrs. Ratignolle that she would never sacrifice herself for her children, or for any one." (page 64)
Edna and Mrs. Ratignolle are discussing their self-hood, along with the lives of their children. The two women hold opposite opinions pertaining to this subject. Mrs. Ratignolle is presented as the ideal "mother-woman," willing to sacrifice anything, including herself, for her children. In this quote, Edna states that she would give up all materialistic items for her children, but not herself.
"That she was seeing with different eyes and making the acquaintance of new conditions in herself that colored and changed her environment, she did not yet suspect." Chapter 14, pg. 53
Edna is able to exist beyond the roles of women sent in the 1890s. Ratatouille is unable to see the world like Edna sees it and she doesn't care to escape her life. Edna isn't comfortable or happy and ratatouille is. Unable to commit herself completely, Edna is stuck in a perfect box she thought would fix her infatuations. Edna will never be the same as her "perfect" friend.
"She stood watching the fair woman walk down the long line of with the grace and majesty which queens are sometimes supposed to possess. Her little ones ran to meet her. Two of them clung about her white skirts, the third she took from its nurse and with a thousand endearments bore it along in her fond encircling arms. Though, as everybody well knew, the doctor had forbidden her to lift so much as a pin!" (Chopin 16)
This quote is a description of Adele thought up by Edna. It portrays Adele as a perfect picture of a mother sacrificing her health to care for her child. Meanwhile Edna is letting her children merely survive without giving them too much time or attention. Additionally Edna is describing Adele as a fair woman. This implies that this characteristic is more applicable to Adele than Edna herself. That is why Adele is a "Mother-Woman" contrary to Edna.
"She was fond of her children in an uneven, impulsive way.She would sometimes gather them passionately to her heart;she would sometimes forget them." The Awakening-chapter 12-pg.18
-Madame Ratignolle is always loving toward her children and takes care of them. Edna wishes she could be like that but she does not have that unconditional motherly love like Madame Ratignolle. In the quote it says she was fond of them in an uneven way. It doesn't say that she loves them it just says she is fond of them. Usually a mother would say she loves her children more than anything,but Edna is not sure if she really cares for her children. She even forgets about her children. It's like they are not important enough for her to remember them, but she can remember Robert all day everyday?.....
"I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself." (47)
Madame Ratignolle didn't understand how Edna could go on without her children if she had to. Madame Ratignolle would give everything she had for her children and even cared for them when she wasn't supposed to. Edna is fine with others taking her position as her children's mother and do all the motherly things. She would give all of the earthly possessions in her life up for her children, but they are not important enough for her to actually give up her life.
"Edna had prevailed upon Madame Ratignolle to leave the children behind, though she could not induce to relinquish a diminutive roll of needlework , which Adèle begged to be allowed to slip into the depths of her pocket."(19)
Madame Pontillierand Madame Ratignolle were great friends, but they were also very different in many ways. Edna had to practically beg Adèle to leave her children behind, because she was always wanting to be with them. Edna could not understand why she would want to be with her children all the time, she was "fond" of her own children, but she did not always want to be with them. This is what led her to letting others tend their needs, she did not see a reason for doing it herself. Also, the fact that Adèle wanted to bring needlework along and Edna did not shows that Edna did not bend to the expectations of some at the time. Women were expected to sow, but Edna went against those expectations. Just like she went against most expectations.
"I would give my money, I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself.'" The Awakening pg.64
Edna was not a perfect example of the motherly figure expected in this time period. She would give up anything for her kids, but she would give up herself. She loved her kids very much but because of this statement she was seen as a bad mother. She was not a "mother woman" like everyone else in this time period, but she did not care.
"She would sometimes gather them passionately to her heart; she would sometimes forget them." (page 25)
Edna did not act the way that "mother women" were expected to act. She made Madame Ratignolle sort of uneasy, because Ratignolle would give her identity up for her children, where as Edna would never consider that. Edna was what we, in today's society, would call a dead beat mother in SOME aspects. She definitely gave her children material objects, but, especially for the time period she grew up in, she was expected to love her children with her full heart, but wanted to rid them much of the time. She was not a "bad mother" necessarily, by the 2015 definition, but for 1899, she was seen as a terrible mother, but she did not seem to care too much.
"I would give my money, I would my life for my children; but i wouldn't give myself." The Awakening pg.64
Edna would sacrifice everything for her kids that she had physically possible. She would not giver her life however. She was the opposite of Adele because Adele would do anything and everything for her kids. Edna's inability to do the same makes her appear to be a bad mother, but she is troubled and the responsibility of kids sometimes annoys her.
"She would sometimes gather them passionately to her heart; she would sometimes forget them... Their absence was a sort of relief." (25)
Adele is an exemplar of what the woman should be in this book. She would do anything for her kids. Edna is more like a modern time woman where she loves and adores her children but it seems as though she could live and function well without.
"The two women did not appear to understand each other... Edna tried to appease her friend, to explain. "I would give up the unessential; I would give up my money, I would give up my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself."" (64)
This shows how the two women differ in their thoughts of what being a mother should be. Adele wouldn't even give a second thought to giving up everything for her children but Edna says she would only give up the unessential things. Adele can't understand why Edna thinks that way or why she wouldn't give up anything for her kids. Edna is very different from all the other women in the way she treats her children and how much she cares for them.
"..but a woman who would giver her life for her children could do no more than that--your Bible tells you so. I'm sure I couldn't do more than that." 64
Madame Ratignolle says this, giving us the idea that she gives her life for her children, much like Adele. Adele will give anything to and for her children, whereas Edna cannot do that for her sons. from the perspective of Adele, Edna seems like a bad mother because of her inability to do for her kids as Adele and Madame Ratignolle can.
"She was fond of her children in an uneven, impulsive way. She would sometimes gather them passionately to her heart; she would sometimes forget them." page 30.
While Adele is portrayed as a a great mother, Edna barely pays attention to her children, much less remembers them. This does not seem to be detrimental to either her children or her. Which, I suppose is a win-win situation because Edna seems to be more focused on her 'awakening' more than anything. While self discovery is important, I think Edna is taking it to the extremes by neglecting her children of attention and giving it all to Robert.
"It would have been a difficult matter for Mr. Pontellier to define to his own satisfaction or any one else's wherein his wife failed in her duty toward their children." (10)
Mr. Pontellier frequently argues with Edna. The two have a growing power struggle. He wonders what made her this way and misses her more prize-worthy attitudes as his wife and mother of his children. He strongly feels that he would be happy if she was more like Madam Ratignolle, a perfect societal woman which seems to be the opposite of Edna, who is self-absorbed. Edna does not follow her husbands wishes as a wife or mother therefore Edna is a flawed woman to him.
Edna is a terrible excuse for a mother she doesn't care about her children and puts herself above them unlike Adele who gives everything for her children and cares about them whole heartedly.
"Edna had once told Madame Ratignolle that she would never sacrifice herself for her children,or for any one." (64)
Adele and Edna are exact opposites in regard to children, while Edna would love her children, she would not love them unconditionally; however, Adele does love her children unconditionally and would give up anything for them. Edna compares her children to everyone else in the sense that she wouldn't sacrifice herself for anyone, including her children. this is her major flaw in being a good mother and what makes her and Adele exact opposites regarding parenthood.
“She was moved by a kind of commiseration for Madame Ratignolle” Chapter XIIX Edna is jealous of the mother qualities Madame Ratignolle obtains. Madame Ratignolle is the opposite of Edna when it comes to mothering, while Edna is self centered and heartless.
"Edna had once told Madame Ratignolle that she would never sacrifice herself for her children, or for anyone. Then had followed a rather heated argument; the two women did not appear to understand each other to be talking the same language." (47)
This quote clearly points out the contrast between Edna's view of motherhood and Madame Ratignolle's view of motherhood. Madame Ratignolle embraces and wholeheartedly lives for her role of being a mother, regardless of if that means giving up her own likes and interests or not. Edna, on the other hand, is very much not embracing of the role of motherhood. While she does have on some level a love for her children and her family, she would never chose them over herself or give up parts of her own self in order to better them. This shows her strong will and her very much different opinion than that of society.
"It sometimes entered Mr. Pontellier's mind to wonder if his wife were not growing a little unbalanced mentally. He could see plainly that she was not herself. That is, he could not see that she was becoming herself and daily casting aside that fictitious self which we assume like a garment and which to appear before the world" (57)
Lately, Edna has been refusing to abide by her husbands simple commands, leaving church service early, and dressing differently, etc. Mr. Pontellier is bewildered by her recent actions and thinks she is becoming mentally unstable of ill. Little does he know that she is blossoming into the independent character she is--her true self. Mrs. Ratignolle is very submissive to her husband, unlike Edna. She is a warm, glowing, motherly, and graceful individual, the typical desired role of women. After Edna left the Ratignolle residence she felt "depressed rather than soothed" (56). Domestic harmony is not the condition of life she is fit for anymore. It is merely a "colorless existence".
"I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself." (47) This is Edna's way of saying that She is fond of her children but she would never be willing to stop being who she really is for them. She is there for them but more as a support not a mother.
"I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself." (47)
In contrast to Adelle, Edna is less of a mother and more of a flirtatious women. Adelle cares for her family, especially her children, more than anything else. Edna becomes more focused on flirting with Robert and having a crush on him, than caring about her family. Edna says she would give everything for her children, even her life, but she would not give herself. This means she would rather stay the person she is, flirting with Robert, than become a "mother-woman."
"While the house-maid took charge of the children..." (57)
This is a perfect example of how Edna cares for her children. Her mind set is to not protect or baby her children but to let them learn on their own. Ratignolle is the opposite in that she needs to be super motherly and affectionate towards her children.
"The little glimpse of domestic harmony which had been offered her, gave her no regret, no longing. It was not a condition of life which fitted her, and she could see in it but an appalling and hopeless ennui. She was moved by a kind of commiseration for Madame Ratignolle,-- a pity for that colorless existence which never uplifted it's possessor beyond the region of blind contentment, in which no moment of anguish ever visited her soul, in which she would never have the taste of life's delirium," (56). Madame Ratignolle and Edna both want completely different things in their lives. Ratignolle is happy living a domestic life with a husband and kids. She is satisfied by staying at home and taking care of her family while being supported by her husband. Edna sees this as an incomplete life. She pities Ratignolle because she believes a life that is full of great experiences and adventures is a better life than being a housewife. Edna craves a life that is meaningful to her and not one that is devoted completely to giving up her life for the development of everyone else around her.
"She was fond of her children in an uneven, impulsive way. She would sometimes gather them passionately to her heart; she would sometimes forget them." (18)
Edna does not have the mindset of a mother-woman. For even she admits to herself that she forgets about her own children. Also that she cares for them because that is what is expected of her, she does really think about it and do it in a motherly fashion but rather as it is a job that she does not enjoy. Madame Ratignolle is the complete opposite and she is joyous of her tasks as a mother-woman and does them pleasingly.
"I would give up the unessential; I would give my money, I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give up myself." (Pg 47) The is quote perfectly reflects how Edna's view of her children are different than Madame Ratignolle. Madame Ratignolle embraces motherhood and easily gave up her own interest for her children. Edna does not feel the same way. She wants to be a seperate person than just being a mother. She won't give herself up and that shows the difference between Edna and her society.
"I would give up the unessential; I would give my money, I would give my life for my children; but i wouldn't give up myself." (pg 64)
Edna's feelings of motherhood are in contrast to Madame Ratignolle's beliefs. Madame Ratignolle is perfect mother to society, because she is only about her family. She gives up her individuality to be apart of her family and does anything for them. Edna however does just about everything for her family, but she refuses to let go of her individuality. She would rather break free from society's reigns then to devote her life to being all about her family.
"his wife failed in her duty toward their children." (7) She is not the mother type. She has no regard for her children or their welfare. It makes her seem self- centered. She does not want to take care of her children, she would prefer to push the responsibility on to someone else. She hands the off to the quadroon and other women, who also have more important things to do than watch someone else's children. She does not care for them at all. Edna is not meant to fill the role of a mother.
"She would sometimes gather them passionately to her heart; she would sometimes forget them." (25)
Edna doesn't seem to give her best effort at motherhood. She doesn't care much for her kids because she doesn't necessarily want to be a mother. However, Ratignolle is the perfect example of a mother. Edna sees her ideas as crude and insensitive to her own being. Here, we see Edna as selfish and uncaring.
"'I would give up the unessential; I would give my money, I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself.'" The Awakening pg.64
Madame Ratignolle devoted her a tire life to her children and is appalled when Edna says this. Edna loved her children, but sees no room for leaving herself in the dust when taking care of them. She wants to find a place in the middle where she loves her children and herself equally, not lose herself in fawning over her children.
"'I would give up the unessential; I would give my money, I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself.'" The Awakening pg.64
ReplyDeleteThe quote above shows that Edna lacks one of the essential qualities of a "mother woman" like Madame Ratignolle during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. That quality is the willingness of a mother to hide or give up her true self for the sake of her children. Of course, Madame Ratignolle has no problem doing this because she is the ideal "mother woman" who will give up anything for her children. Edna however, refuses to give up who she is which includes her recent but yet unknown desire to be independent from society's expectations of her.
"She was fond of her children in an uneven, impulsive way. She would sometimes gather them passionately to her heart; she would sometimes forget them... Their absence was a sort of relief." (pg. 25)
ReplyDeleteMadame Ratignolle is a perfect example of a "mother woman" because she would sacrifice anything for the sake of her children. Edna does not have the same passion for her children. She cares for them, but them leaving really has no negative effect on her. She cares much more for herself than her children, and this is why she is not an exemplar of a mother figure.
""Do you know it is past one o'clock? Come on," and he mounted the steps and went into their room. "Edna!" called Mr. Pontellier from within, after a few moments had gone by. "Don't wait for me,"she answered. He thrust his head through the door."
ReplyDelete(Pg. 41)
- Madame Ratignolle is the exact opposite of Edna. Even though this quote doesn't express any references to her or children, it shows Edna's independence and opposition to her husband. She is only about herself and does not listen to anyone, not even her husband or children. A key characteristic of what makes a good mother is to listen to her family and live life by example. Her opposition to the social laws do not give Edna a positive spotlight.
"Edna had once told Mrs. Ratignolle that she would never sacrifice herself for her children, or for any one." (page 64)
ReplyDeleteEdna and Mrs. Ratignolle are discussing their self-hood, along with the lives of their children. The two women hold opposite opinions pertaining to this subject. Mrs. Ratignolle is presented as the ideal "mother-woman," willing to sacrifice anything, including herself, for her children. In this quote, Edna states that she would give up all materialistic items for her children, but not herself.
"That she was seeing with different eyes and making the acquaintance of new conditions in herself that colored and changed her environment, she did not yet suspect." Chapter 14, pg. 53
ReplyDeleteEdna is able to exist beyond the roles of women sent in the 1890s. Ratatouille is unable to see the world like Edna sees it and she doesn't care to escape her life. Edna isn't comfortable or happy and ratatouille is. Unable to commit herself completely, Edna is stuck in a perfect box she thought would fix her infatuations. Edna will never be the same as her "perfect" friend.
"She stood watching the fair woman walk down the long line of with the grace and majesty which queens are sometimes supposed to possess. Her little ones ran to meet her. Two of them clung about her white skirts, the third she took from its nurse and with a thousand endearments bore it along in her fond encircling arms. Though, as everybody well knew, the doctor had forbidden her to lift so much as a pin!" (Chopin 16)
ReplyDeleteThis quote is a description of Adele thought up by Edna. It portrays Adele as a perfect picture of a mother sacrificing her health to care for her child. Meanwhile Edna is letting her children merely survive without giving them too much time or attention. Additionally Edna is describing Adele as a fair woman. This implies that this characteristic is more applicable to Adele than Edna herself. That is why Adele is a "Mother-Woman" contrary to Edna.
"She was fond of her children in an uneven, impulsive way.She would sometimes gather them passionately to her heart;she would sometimes forget them."
ReplyDeleteThe Awakening-chapter 12-pg.18
-Madame Ratignolle is always loving toward her children and takes care of them. Edna wishes she could be like that but she does not have that unconditional motherly love like Madame Ratignolle. In the quote it says she was fond of them in an uneven way. It doesn't say that she loves them it just says she is fond of them. Usually a mother would say she loves her children more than anything,but Edna is not sure if she really cares for her children. She even forgets about her children. It's like they are not important enough for her to remember them, but she can remember Robert all day everyday?.....
"I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself." (47)
ReplyDeleteMadame Ratignolle didn't understand how Edna could go on without her children if she had to. Madame Ratignolle would give everything she had for her children and even cared for them when she wasn't supposed to. Edna is fine with others taking her position as her children's mother and do all the motherly things. She would give all of the earthly possessions in her life up for her children, but they are not important enough for her to actually give up her life.
"Edna had prevailed upon Madame Ratignolle to leave the children behind, though she could not induce to relinquish a diminutive roll of needlework , which Adèle begged to be allowed to slip into the depths of her pocket."(19)
ReplyDeleteMadame Pontillierand Madame Ratignolle were great friends, but they were also very different in many ways. Edna had to practically beg Adèle to leave her children behind, because she was always wanting to be with them. Edna could not understand why she would want to be with her children all the time, she was "fond" of her own children, but she did not always want to be with them. This is what led her to letting others tend their needs, she did not see a reason for doing it herself. Also, the fact that Adèle wanted to bring needlework along and Edna did not shows that Edna did not bend to the expectations of some at the time. Women were expected to sow, but Edna went against those expectations. Just like she went against most expectations.
"I would give my money, I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself.'" The Awakening pg.64
ReplyDeleteEdna was not a perfect example of the motherly figure expected in this time period. She would give up anything for her kids, but she would give up herself. She loved her kids very much but because of this statement she was seen as a bad mother. She was not a "mother woman" like everyone else in this time period, but she did not care.
"She would sometimes gather them passionately to her heart; she would sometimes forget them." (page 25)
ReplyDeleteEdna did not act the way that "mother women" were expected to act. She made Madame Ratignolle sort of uneasy, because Ratignolle would give her identity up for her children, where as Edna would never consider that. Edna was what we, in today's society, would call a dead beat mother in SOME aspects. She definitely gave her children material objects, but, especially for the time period she grew up in, she was expected to love her children with her full heart, but wanted to rid them much of the time. She was not a "bad mother" necessarily, by the 2015 definition, but for 1899, she was seen as a terrible mother, but she did not seem to care too much.
"I would give my money, I would my life for my children; but i wouldn't give myself." The Awakening pg.64
ReplyDeleteEdna would sacrifice everything for her kids that she had physically possible. She would not giver her life however. She was the opposite of Adele because Adele would do anything and everything for her kids. Edna's inability to do the same makes her appear to be a bad mother, but she is troubled and the responsibility of kids sometimes annoys her.
"She would sometimes gather them passionately to her heart; she would sometimes forget them... Their absence was a sort of relief." (25)
ReplyDeleteAdele is an exemplar of what the woman should be in this book. She would do anything for her kids. Edna is more like a modern time woman where she loves and adores her children but it seems as though she could live and function well without.
"The two women did not appear to understand each other... Edna tried to appease her friend, to explain. "I would give up the unessential; I would give up my money, I would give up my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself."" (64)
ReplyDeleteThis shows how the two women differ in their thoughts of what being a mother should be. Adele wouldn't even give a second thought to giving up everything for her children but Edna says she would only give up the unessential things. Adele can't understand why Edna thinks that way or why she wouldn't give up anything for her kids. Edna is very different from all the other women in the way she treats her children and how much she cares for them.
"..but a woman who would giver her life for her children could do no more than that--your Bible tells you so. I'm sure I couldn't do more than that." 64
ReplyDeleteMadame Ratignolle says this, giving us the idea that she gives her life for her children, much like Adele. Adele will give anything to and for her children, whereas Edna cannot do that for her sons. from the perspective of Adele, Edna seems like a bad mother because of her inability to do for her kids as Adele and Madame Ratignolle can.
"She was fond of her children in an uneven, impulsive way. She would sometimes gather them passionately to her heart; she would sometimes forget them." page 30.
ReplyDeleteWhile Adele is portrayed as a a great mother, Edna barely pays attention to her children, much less remembers them. This does not seem to be detrimental to either her children or her. Which, I suppose is a win-win situation because Edna seems to be more focused on her 'awakening' more than anything. While self discovery is important, I think Edna is taking it to the extremes by neglecting her children of attention and giving it all to Robert.
"It would have been a difficult matter for Mr. Pontellier to define to his own satisfaction or any one else's wherein his wife failed in her duty toward their children." (10)
ReplyDeleteMr. Pontellier frequently argues with Edna. The two have a growing power struggle. He wonders what made her this way and misses her more prize-worthy attitudes as his wife and mother of his children. He strongly feels that he would be happy if she was more like Madam Ratignolle, a perfect societal woman which seems to be the opposite of Edna, who is self-absorbed. Edna does not follow her husbands wishes as a wife or mother therefore Edna is a flawed woman to him.
"she would sometimes forget them." pg 18
ReplyDeleteEdna is a terrible excuse for a mother she doesn't care about her children and puts herself above them unlike Adele who gives everything for her children and cares about them whole heartedly.
"Edna had once told Madame Ratignolle that she would never sacrifice herself for her children,or for any one." (64)
ReplyDeleteAdele and Edna are exact opposites in regard to children, while Edna would love her children, she would not love them unconditionally; however, Adele does love her children unconditionally and would give up anything for them. Edna compares her children to everyone else in the sense that she wouldn't sacrifice herself for anyone, including her children. this is her major flaw in being a good mother and what makes her and Adele exact opposites regarding parenthood.
“She was moved by a kind of commiseration for Madame Ratignolle” Chapter XIIX
ReplyDeleteEdna is jealous of the mother qualities Madame Ratignolle obtains. Madame Ratignolle is the opposite of Edna when it comes to mothering, while Edna is self centered and heartless.
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ReplyDelete"Edna had once told Madame Ratignolle that she would never sacrifice herself for her children, or for anyone. Then had followed a rather heated argument; the two women did not appear to understand each other to be talking the same language." (47)
ReplyDeleteThis quote clearly points out the contrast between Edna's view of motherhood and Madame Ratignolle's view of motherhood. Madame Ratignolle embraces and wholeheartedly lives for her role of being a mother, regardless of if that means giving up her own likes and interests or not. Edna, on the other hand, is very much not embracing of the role of motherhood. While she does have on some level a love for her children and her family, she would never chose them over herself or give up parts of her own self in order to better them. This shows her strong will and her very much different opinion than that of society.
"It sometimes entered Mr. Pontellier's mind to wonder if his wife were not growing a little unbalanced mentally. He could see plainly that she was not herself. That is, he could not see that she was becoming herself and daily casting aside that fictitious self which we assume like a garment and which to appear before the world" (57)
ReplyDeleteLately, Edna has been refusing to abide by her husbands simple commands, leaving church service early, and dressing differently, etc. Mr. Pontellier is bewildered by her recent actions and thinks she is becoming mentally unstable of ill. Little does he know that she is blossoming into the independent character she is--her true self. Mrs. Ratignolle is very submissive to her husband, unlike Edna. She is a warm, glowing, motherly, and graceful individual, the typical desired role of women. After Edna left the Ratignolle residence she felt "depressed rather than soothed" (56). Domestic harmony is not the condition of life she is fit for anymore. It is merely a "colorless existence".
"I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself." (47)
ReplyDeleteThis is Edna's way of saying that She is fond of her children but she would never be willing to stop being who she really is for them. She is there for them but more as a support not a mother.
"I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself." (47)
ReplyDeleteIn contrast to Adelle, Edna is less of a mother and more of a flirtatious women. Adelle cares for her family, especially her children, more than anything else. Edna becomes more focused on flirting with Robert and having a crush on him, than caring about her family. Edna says she would give everything for her children, even her life, but she would not give herself. This means she would rather stay the person she is, flirting with Robert, than become a "mother-woman."
"While the house-maid took charge of the children..." (57)
ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect example of how Edna cares for her children. Her mind set is to not protect or baby her children but to let them learn on their own. Ratignolle is the opposite in that she needs to be super motherly and affectionate towards her children.
"The little glimpse of domestic harmony which had been offered her, gave her no regret, no longing. It was not a condition of life which fitted her, and she could see in it but an appalling and hopeless ennui. She was moved by a kind of commiseration for Madame Ratignolle,-- a pity for that colorless existence which never uplifted it's possessor beyond the region of blind contentment, in which no moment of anguish ever visited her soul, in which she would never have the taste of life's delirium," (56).
ReplyDeleteMadame Ratignolle and Edna both want completely different things in their lives. Ratignolle is happy living a domestic life with a husband and kids. She is satisfied by staying at home and taking care of her family while being supported by her husband. Edna sees this as an incomplete life. She pities Ratignolle because she believes a life that is full of great experiences and adventures is a better life than being a housewife. Edna craves a life that is meaningful to her and not one that is devoted completely to giving up her life for the development of everyone else around her.
"She was fond of her children in an uneven, impulsive way. She would sometimes gather them passionately to her heart; she would sometimes forget them." (18)
ReplyDeleteEdna does not have the mindset of a mother-woman. For even she admits to herself that she forgets about her own children. Also that she cares for them because that is what is expected of her, she does really think about it and do it in a motherly fashion but rather as it is a job that she does not enjoy. Madame Ratignolle is the complete opposite and she is joyous of her tasks as a mother-woman and does them pleasingly.
"I would give up the unessential; I would give my money, I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give up myself." (Pg 47)
ReplyDeleteThe is quote perfectly reflects how Edna's view of her children are different than Madame Ratignolle. Madame Ratignolle embraces motherhood and easily gave up her own interest for her children. Edna does not feel the same way. She wants to be a seperate person than just being a mother. She won't give herself up and that shows the difference between Edna and her society.
"I would give up the unessential; I would give my money, I would give my life for my children; but i wouldn't give up myself." (pg 64)
ReplyDeleteEdna's feelings of motherhood are in contrast to Madame Ratignolle's beliefs. Madame Ratignolle is perfect mother to society, because she is only about her family. She gives up her individuality to be apart of her family and does anything for them. Edna however does just about everything for her family, but she refuses to let go of her individuality. She would rather break free from society's reigns then to devote her life to being all about her family.
"his wife failed in her duty toward their children." (7)
ReplyDeleteShe is not the mother type. She has no regard for her children or their welfare. It makes her seem self- centered. She does not want to take care of her children, she would prefer to push the responsibility on to someone else. She hands the off to the quadroon and other women, who also have more important things to do than watch someone else's children. She does not care for them at all. Edna is not meant to fill the role of a mother.
"She would sometimes gather them passionately to her heart; she would sometimes forget them." (25)
ReplyDeleteEdna doesn't seem to give her best effort at motherhood. She doesn't care much for her kids because she doesn't necessarily want to be a mother. However, Ratignolle is the perfect example of a mother. Edna sees her ideas as crude and insensitive to her own being. Here, we see Edna as selfish and uncaring.
"'I would give up the unessential; I would give my money, I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself.'" The Awakening pg.64
ReplyDeleteMadame Ratignolle devoted her a tire life to her children and is appalled when Edna says this. Edna loved her children, but sees no room for leaving herself in the dust when taking care of them. She wants to find a place in the middle where she loves her children and herself equally, not lose herself in fawning over her children.