Notes

Edna's mindset has drastically changed, since her awakening. As Edna slowly becomes aware of these changes, she begins to understand herself more. When Edna encounters Madame Ratignolle at the beach, she reveals to her that she would give anything up for her children, but she would not give up herself. Edna asserts "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." There is a difference between Edna’s life and herself. Edna demonstrates that she would give up her own life, however when it comes to her own identity and pursuits, that is something she will not give up. Additionally, Chopin uses parallelism to repeat the word "I" in order to stress how highlight how Edna makes her own decisions. Chopin is illuminating Edna's awakening, by challenging her role in society. Edna has become aware of her own intentions as opposed to following what society makes of her. She wants to have the freedom and ability to do what she wants as opposed to having society tell her what she can and cannot do. During this time, society expects a woman to give up her dreams in order for her children to grow. Edna is not like the other women and she has now learned to break free from societal norms.