In The Awakening, Edna says, “[P]erhaps it is better to wake up after all, even to suffer, rather than to remain a dupe to illusions all one’s life” (171). This quotation accurately portrays Edna’s situation and choices throughout the story.
Edna awakens from her unhealthy marriage in the beginning of the book. She realizes how Mr. Pontellier causes “an indescribable oppression… [to fill] her whole being” after spending her summer at Grand Isle (49). She admits that previously “the abundance of her husband’s kindness and [his] uniform devotion” blinded her from his controlling behaviors (49). After opening her eyes and understanding the reality of her marriage, she breaks free by purchasing her own house. Despite “[descending] in the social scale,” she “[rises] in the spiritual [scale]” and “[expands] as an individual,” which leads to her so-called freedom and happiness (151).
Towards the end of the story, Edna awakens once more with the help of Madame Ratignolle. Edna continues to live in an illusion as she believes she has full control over her life: she is “no longer one of Mr. Pontellier’s possessions” (167). She naively confesses to Robert, “We shall be everything to each other. Nothing else… is of any consequence” (168). However, Madame Ratignolle drags Edna out of her fantasy by reminding her to “think of [her] children” (170). Her children are her “antagonists” who prevent her from obtaining true freedom (175). As a result, by waking up from her delusion, Edna is able to obtain complete independence by committing suicide. She becomes “some new-born creature” during the process (175).
Unlike Edna, who believes “waking up” conquers all, Daisy believes “remaining a dupe” shields a girl from severe hardships. Is it better to be aware of reality or be oblivious to the world?
I like the whole ignorance is bliss debate. It reminds me of "The Things They Carried" when Norman Bowker talked about how his hometown was oblivious to the horrors of the Vietnam War. His hometown lived in tranquility because they chose not to "wake up."
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ReplyDeleteI think it is better to be aware of reality, but there is always consequences to either side. Edna's awareness forced her to commit suicide. Daisy's ignorance caused the death of a man completely in love with her. It also made her stay in a marriage with a man who definitely didn't treat her right. I think it really depends on someone's personal preference.
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