Machiavelli, a firm believer that man is inherently evil, once wrote, "Everyone may begin a war at his pleasure, but cannot so finish it." Had The Awakening been written in the time of Machiavelli, the political genius would have found his prime subject in the form of Mrs. Edna Pontellier. As the book progresses, Edna becomes deeply entangled in a forbidden relationship, which contributes to her awkward character change, and she is affected constantly by her fellow peers.
Robert Lebrun begins the novel as a friend and a daily acquaintance of Mrs. Pontellier. Upon his sudden departure, the protagonist realizes her profound affection for the young boy. She is deeply saddened from his exodus, and consults Madame Reisz. Edna and the old lady develop an odd relationship, like one between patient and psychiatrist. She is concise in her speech, and offers odd but meaningful advice to Edna such as, "The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Edna Primrose Job Corps National Director (JCS)
English: First ed title pgIt is a sad spectacle to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to Earth." Madame Reisz was well aware of the relationship between Edna and Robert; she had been delivering the letters about Edna to Edna. With this quote, Madame Reisz laid the path before Mrs. Pontellier. If the young woman were to "soar above the wings of prejudice," she must realize the possible ramifications. Madame Reisz never encourages or discourages Mrs. Pontellier from pursuing her relationship with Robert. Throughout the book she remains cryptic and thought provoking, always making the reader ponder her last few words.
Another important character in The Awakening is Madame Ratignolle. In this novel she is the voice of reason, always telling Edna what to do. Unlike Madame Reisz, she is impartial and has no knowledge of the...