Sometimes it isn’t always easy to discern your own situation. Many times it is easy to forget what we’re living in and the world around us if we’re never forced to struggle. This story is not uncommon one; some women go through their lives seemingly half asleep, surrounded by luxury and empty experiences. This is the story of Edna Pontellier, a woman who should not be considered an every woman, but is. Her life became a literal wake up call to women everywhere. Through Kate Chopin’s mastery of language and imagery, we can learn from Edna’s experiences.
Edna’s life was that of all women of her status at that time. She had no say in anything of importance. She was trained not to use her own mind, and taught to be a baby maker, housewife, and beautiful object. What’s worse, women of her status had others to take care of the children and home, so even the duties assigned to her by society were effectually taken away. She had literally nothing to do all day. To amuse herself, she might go swimming or meet someone for lunch, but nothing was ever fulfilling. She was clearly unhappy with the life she was living, and would cry for hours for no particular reason. “The tears came so fast to Mrs. Pontellier’s eyes that the damp sleeve of her peignoir no longer served to dry them.” (Chopin, 27)
Through clever language and commentary, Chopin guides us through the process that Edna is experiencing. Words and descriptions such as “luminous”, “wakeful”, and the continual use of a child-like sense of wonder in describing Edna show us her rebirth into the world of soulful intellect.
Finally, through a series of seemingly unordinary events, Edna found herself; a piano concert, a bird on the sea. Through the viewpoint of the narrator, Chopin makes clear her own point of view as well, which is obviously on Edna’s side. “In short, Mrs. Pontellier was beginning to realize her position in the universe as a human being, and to recognize her relations as an individual to the world within and about her. This may seem like a ponderous weight of wisdom to descend upon the soul of a young woman of twenty-eight-perhaps more wisdom than the Holy Ghost is usually pleased to vouchsafe to any woman.” (Chopin, 34) The tone is bitter, and indicative of the possibility of a life of wasted potential.
Chopin makes clear that Edna’s awakening is essential, even if it is painful. “The years that are gone seem like dreams-if one might go on sleeping and dreaming-but to wake up and find-oh! well! Perhaps it is better to wake up after all, even to suffer, rather than to remain a dupe to illusions all one’s life.” (Chopin, 135) In this newly awakened state, Edna was unable to go on like a caged bird, without the hope of ever having passionate love or meaningful life. She resolved to kill herself by walking out into the sea. Even at this decision, we can tell that Edna didn’t really want to die, but instead live a happy life free of social and familial obligation. “She looked into the distance, and the old terror flamed up for an instant, then sank again.” (Chopin, 139) Since she had been left with no choice, Edna had to kill herself for her own sanity.
