Edna is aware of the responsibilities that accompany marriage yet she has no intention of fulfilling them.
““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””(51). In chapter sixteen, Edna’s selfish attribute is prevalent when she opens up about her opinion of motherhood. Edna was brought up in Creole society, therefore, it is clear to her the consequences and expectations that follow marriage.Even with this knowledge, she makes the commitment to her husband and to her future. The narrator describes the ideal wife in chapter four, “They women who idolize their children, worship their husbands, and esteem it a holy privilege to efface themselves as individuals and grow wings as ministering angels” (8). People may argue that a justified reason for Edna’s selfishness is due to the Creole society’s expectations of a wife and her duties. Edna does not display compassion for her husband’s opinions, emotions, or concerns.These actions resulting from Edna’s awakening are very selfish towards Leonce. She does not take the time to personally discuss with Leonce each other’s feeling about the idea. Also, in chapter thirty-two, Edna chooses to move out of her house, so she writes to Leonce of her verdict, “when Mr.Pontellier learn of his wife’s intention to abandon her home and take up her residence elsewhere he immediately her a letter of unqualified disapproval and remonstrance” (100).Įdna is only acting upon her own judgment without discussing it with her husband in fact, she is only notifying him of her decision. Her husband shows apprehension towards her well-being and odd behavior but Edna responds in the sake of herself rather that expressing care for her husband’s emotions or concerns. Don’t speak to me like that again I shall not answer you”” (34).Įdna expresses rudeness that is unnecessary in the circumstances that were present.
I don’t wish to go in, and I don’t intend to. In chapter eleven, Leonce arrives home from the beach and discovers Edna outside alone.He tries to care for Edna and convince her to come inside but she responds, ““I mean to stay out here. Edna’s fondness towards her husband, Leonce, begins to dwindle as she progresses through her awakening, resulting in selfish behavior. Edna’s motivations were based on her own wishes to satisfy physical needs, revealing her selfish side. Evidently, Edna uses Alcee only for physical relations, knowing that Alcee’s investment in the relationship is clearly more. This quote is in response to Alcee’s request to spend quality time with Edna. As Alcee continues to show his love, Edna grows upset and announces, “I don’t want to do anything but just be quiet. Edna cares too much about her personal needs without taking into consideration Robert’s position in their situation and the struggle it brings.Īround the same time, Edna has an affair with Alcee giving him false hope that they both share a strong affection. Robert, being in love with a married woman and not wanting to disrespect her marriage responds, “…You would have me bare a wound for the pleasure of looking at it, without the intention or power of healing it” (114).By Edna’s manipulation and selfish desires, Robert realizes that Edna shows no concern for his feelings. In chapter thirty-six, Edna begins to manipulate the man she loves, Robert, only to hear him admit he loves her.
Edna develops several close relationships, two of which being men by the names of Robert and Alcee. Some people believe Edna’s selfish actions should be excused because of the Creole society expectations she is presumed to meet.However, the role of selfishness plays a large part in The Awakening through Edna’s personal choices regarding relationships with her friends and family. This awakening leads Edna to reject her marriage, family, and other relationships she has acquired. In the novel The Awakening by Kate Chopin, the main character, Edna, experiences a realization of the unsatisfactory life she has been living. Selfishness is defined as being concerned primarily with one’s own interests, benefits, and welfare, regardless of others. Many individuals disagree with the role selfishness plays in society.