The Awakening Group

Question:

ffajunkie16
ffajunkie16
Student
High School - 11th Grade

How do Mlle. Reisz and Mme. Ratignolle function in relation to Edna and the novel's view of women as mothers and artists?

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Posted by ffajunkie16 on Monday May 4, 2009 at 1:31 PM and tagged with mlle. reisz and mme. ratignolle in relation to edna, the awakening.

Answers:

  1. writergal06
    writergal06 Teacher

    eNotes Editor

    Mme. Ratignolle shows the society's view of women as mothers. Her advice to Edna is to "remember the children." Ratignolle is loving and nurturing, but devoid of independence or personality. Mlle. Reisz, though, is living her life as she desires, not caring what society thinks of her. She is able to be extravagant and lavish, fully embracing her artistic capabilities because she does not have other obligations. She denies society's structure, and encourages Edna to do the same. This free lifestyle is what Edna comes to desire and seek for herself.

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    Posted by writergal06 on Tuesday May 5, 2009 at 10:24 AM