Kate Chopin's life and literary works

Edna and Adele: Opposites in "The Awakening"

Kate Chopin's "The Awakening" is known as a feminist work that celebrates womanhood without celebrating all of the preconceived notions that are generally attached to it. Edna Pontellier is a woman on a mission but her journey is one that cannot have a pleasant ending because of the society in which she lives. Edna is attracted to the very things she should not be attracted to, according to her society and this leads her on a painful journey and sad reality. To emphasize Edna's circumstance, Chopin situates Edna close to a woman that is, for all intents and purposes, her opposite. Adele Ratignolle is Edna's foil in that she is the epitome of everything a woman should in the eighteenth century. She is a doting mother and a loving wife. She is charming, beautiful, and completely satisfied with her life. Chopin places her close to Edna to reinforce how different Edna is from the women in her community. Adele reminds Edna that she is trapped in time that will not forgive her for not being a "motherwoman" like the rest of her Creole counterparts.

Adele is significant to the story because she illustrates just how different Edna is from those around her. Adele also serves as Edna's foil in the story because she seems to be almost opposite Edna in manner and character. Her character is important to the development of the story in that it relates directly to Edna's development. We are first introduced to the character of Adele when Chopin begins the typical "motherwomen" (Chopin 10) at Grand Isle. The motherwomen that around Edna flutter about with "extended, protecting wings when any harm, real or imaginary, threatened their precious brood" (10). In addition, they idolize their "children, worshiped their husbands, and esteemed it a holy privilege to efface themselves as individuals and grow wings as ministering angels" (10). Adele fits this mold almost too perfectly. We're told, "There are no words to describe her save the old ones that have served so often to picture the bygone heroine of romance and the fair lady of our dreams" (10). In short, she was the perfect wife and mother as there was "nothing subtle or hidden about her charms; her beauty was all there, flaming and apparent" (10). Here we see that Adele embodies all of the qualities that were held in high regard for women of her day. She is a striking contrast to Edna, with her southern grace and charm. Adele is the women that every female in the eighteenth century wanted to be like - nurturing, caring, and happy. In contrast to Adele, Edna is a far cry from the ideal woman.

Edna needs Adele. While Adele serves as a reflection of the perfect wife and mother for her society, she is also essential for Edna's development. The more Edna is around her, the more she drifts from that perfect ideal. Early in the story, Edna's lack of being a typical motherwoman reflects her need for a mother-like role model in her life. While most mothers adore their children and husbands, Edna does not. The children are rarely mentioned in the novel and Edna does not mind skirting her mother duties whenever she can. The story is presented in such a way that Edna's children are never actually a primary concern for her. Edna is not distracted with motherhood because she is distracted with the development of her own nature. She needs someone with whom she converse and someone that she can lean on and this happens to be Adele. Because it is in Adele's nature to be nurturing and supportive, Edna finds a confidant in her and Adele accepts the role, providing Edna with support as well as guidance. Their moments together at the beach demonstrate to Edna that she can confide in Adele and it is this afternoon that Edna begins her awakening. It is interesting to note that Edna finds comfort in a relationship with a woman that represents the very values she rejects. However, Adele is the one with whom Edna first shares her life and with whom she becomes connected. Their friendship is necessary for Edna to begin her journey of exploration. It is with Adele that Edna can open up and discuss herself and her emotions without restraint. She is not asking Adele for permission and Adele does not try to force her to do or not do anything. She does kindly ask her to think of her children but she does not attack her. Adele does not understand Edna when she tells her that she would give her money and her life for her children but not herself. Her belief system is too different from Edna's but the woman can still connect on a female level. Without this bond, Edna would have never been able to reach out to other people in hopes of forming a connection.

Adele is necessary for us to see how Edna has evolved over the course of time. This is easily demonstrated in her relationship and her feelings toward Adele. Edna's development can be seen in stages throughout the story. One way in which her change manifests itself is how she begins to view others. While she cares for her friend, Edna realizes that Adele and her husband are living a rather empty life. After a visit with them, she is "moved by a kind of commiseration" (74) for Adele. She feels a "pity for that colorless existence which never uplifted its 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" (74). These thoughts leave Edna depressed as she begins to realize that there is much more to life than simply being married and having babies. It should be noted that Adele is not unhappy with her life. This is significant to the story. She does not seek to find fulfillment from anything else than what she considers her family. Edna sees her family almost as a burden. Without the contrast we see in Adele, Edna's transformation would not appear as powerful.

Edna's awakening is also triggered by Adele's giving birth. One thing that we associate with Adele is fertility. When Edna meets her, she has had three children already and contemplating a fourth child. She was pregnant so much that when she makes a comment about her condition, no one knows if she is referring to being pregnant or not. Edna sees Adele's birth as a tragedy. We read, "with an inward agony, with a flaming, outspoken revolt against the ways of Nature, she witnessed the scene of torture" (146). This scene is powerful because it is quit the opposite reaction of what we are accustomed to when a woman gives birth. Generally, childbirth is seen as a miracle of nature and a beautiful thing, not a revolting scene. Edna's reaction only brings her closer to the truth that she is not the kind of motherwoman that Adele is. The event leaves he stunned and speechless and that scene, followed by the conversation with the doctor force Edna to realize that she is living in time that is simply not ready for her. Like Tesla, she is a woman out of time and there is no way that she can make her society accept who or how she is.