The Awakening Chapter 5

Robert & His History
1. Robert is shown to have been a sort of womanizer throughout his past
  1. However, it is harmless womanizing as well as passionless
  2. Creole husbands are described as passionless
2. Robert appears to be gaining passion for Edna
  1. Lays his head on her arm & invites her to sensual experiences such as the "delicious" swim
3. Robert previously had affection for Madame Ratignolle
Edna's Response to Robert
1. Edna currently appears to see Robert as simply a platonic friend
  1. "It would have been unacceptable and annoying"
  2. She is not fond of the idea of Robert having affection for her the same way he did for Ratignolle
Ratignolle the Madonna
1. Edna wants to paint her because she appears as the Madonna in the sunset
  1. Madonna meaning the Virgin Mary
2. Ratignolle gives her children "a thousand endearments"
  1. Contrasts Edna's not so Madonna-like self who want to detain her children for talk & pleasantry
3. Takes advantage of society's views on women
  1. To exert her own form of power which puts her above others

Resource summary

	Created by Ivan Zhu over 4 years ago