How do Mlle.Reisz & Mme.Ratignolle function in relation 2 Edna & the novels view of women as moms and artists?

Question

How do Mlle.Reisz & Mme.Ratignolle function in relation 2 Edna & the novels view of women as moms and artists?

Answer 1

First of all read the book!! The Awakening is an awesome book and for the time it was written (late 1990's) it was considered scandalous!

Mlle Reisz has given up everythingassociated with family to be an artist.  She has given up on having a husband (an it is implied even a lover) as well as the opportunity to have children, for her art.  She is strong enough to be alone and give up everything for her art.

Mme Ratignolle on the other hand is the consumate mother, who is consumed by her children and their needs. She lives to serve her children and has no identity outside that of "mom."

Edna feels that she is in a cage made not only by the expectations of society, but also by the demands of her husband and children.  Even her lovers have the same expectations of her "belonging" to them as a piece of property.

Because Edna is not strong enough to give up everything for her art, and because she she is too overwhelmed by the demands of society and children, she feels her only escape is suicide.

It is important to note that Edna never really has done well with living in reality.  She tends to prefer her "notion of reality."  

Now read the book, and make notes as you go.  Kate chopin is one the great feminist artists of the twentieth century.

PS - read some Zora Neale Hurston -- awesome stuff!