The Awakening · Chapter
XXVI explained
Edna receives an apology from Alcée Arobin and responds lightly, leading to his frequent visits and a growing intimacy that stirs her animalism.
What happens
Edna receives an apology from Alcée Arobin and responds lightly, leading to his frequent visits and a growing intimacy that stirs her animalism. She visits Mademoiselle Reisz, where she confesses her love for Robert Lebrun and her plan to move into a small house for independence. Mademoiselle shows her a letter from Robert announcing his imminent return, filling Edna with joy.
Themes in this chapter
Female Awakening and Self-Discovery
Edna's decision to move to a small house and her confession of love for Robert mark key steps in her personal awakening and assertion of autonomy.
Freedom vs. Confinement
Edna seeks freedom from her husband's house and societal expectations, moving to a 'pigeon house' for independence and self-ownership.
Art and Creativity as Liberation
Mademoiselle Reisz's piano playing liberates Edna's spirit, and Edna's growing success in selling her sketches supports her bid for independence.
Characters to notice
- Edna Pontellier
Edna responds to Arobin's apology, visits Mademoiselle Reisz, confesses her love for Robert, and decides to move to a small house for freedom.
- Alcée Arobin
Arobin writes an elaborate apology and becomes a frequent visitor, cultivating intimacy with Edna.
- Mademoiselle Reisz
Mademoiselle Reisz hosts Edna, plays the piano, and shares Robert's letter revealing his return.
- Robert Lebrun
Robert is the subject of Edna's confessed love; his letter announces he is coming back 'very soon.'
- Léonce Pontellier
Edna writes to her husband about her intention to move and her farewell dinner.
Key passages
“There was nothing which so quieted the turmoil of Edna's senses as a visit to Mademoiselle Reisz. It was then, in the presence of that personality which was offensive to her, that the woman, by her divine art, seemed to reach Edna's spirit and set it free.”
Edna finds peace only when visiting Mademoiselle Reisz, whose music frees her spirit despite the pianist's off-putting personality.
Highlights the liberating power of art for Edna.
“I have a little money of my own from my mother's estate, which my father sends me by driblets. I won a large sum this winter on the races, and I am beginning to sell my sketches. ... I can live in the tiny house for little or nothing, with one servant. ... I know I shall like it, like the feeling of freedom and independence.”
Edna explains that her own income from her mother's estate, gambling winnings, and art sales allows her to move to a small house and enjoy freedom.
Shows Edna's financial independence as a path to personal liberation.
“It is because he loves you, poor fool, and is trying to forget you, since you are not free to listen to him or to belong to him.”
Mademoiselle Reisz tells Edna that Robert writes to her because he loves Edna but is trying to move on, knowing she is not free.
Reveals the obstacle of Edna's marriage to her relationship with Robert.