The Awakening · Chapter
XXVII explained
Edna and Alcée Arobin share an intimate evening by the fire.
What happens
Edna and Alcée Arobin share an intimate evening by the fire. Edna reflects on her own identity, feeling wicked by societal codes yet unable to see herself as such. She recounts Mademoiselle Reisz's metaphor about strong wings for soaring above tradition. The chapter culminates in a passionate kiss, the first to which her nature truly responds, kindling desire.
Themes in this chapter
Sexuality and Desire
Edna's first kiss that truly responds to her nature, described as a 'flaming torch that kindled desire,' marks a pivotal awakening of her sexual self.
Freedom vs. Confinement
Mademoiselle Reisz's metaphor of the bird with strong wings soaring above tradition and prejudice contrasts with Edna's struggle to define her own character against societal codes.
Characters to notice
- Edna Pontellier
Reclines on the lounge, reflects on her character, and shares Mademoiselle Reisz's bird metaphor; responds to Arobin's kiss with awakened desire.
- Alcée Arobin
Sits close to Edna, touches her hair and face, kisses her, and expresses jealousy of her thoughts.
- Mademoiselle Reisz
Referenced by Edna for her metaphor about strong wings and soaring above tradition and prejudice.
Key passages
“By all the codes which I am acquainted with, I am a devilishly wicked specimen of the sex. But some way I can't convince myself that I am.”
According to every moral standard I know, I am a terribly sinful woman, yet I cannot truly believe that I am.
Edna expresses her internal conflict between societal judgment and her own sense of self.
“The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings. It is a sad spectacle to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth.”
To rise above conventional thinking and bias, one needs great strength; it is pitiful to watch those who are too weak try and fail, falling back down.
Mademoiselle Reisz's metaphor underscores the theme of freedom versus confinement and the risks of rebellion.
“It was the first kiss of her life to which her nature had really responded. It was a flaming torch that kindled desire.”
This was the first kiss that genuinely stirred her innermost being, igniting a passionate longing.
Highlights Edna's sexual awakening and the intensity of her response to Arobin.