The Awakening · Chapter
Chapter XXXIII explained
Edna visits Mademoiselle Reisz's apartment seeking refuge and to talk about Robert.
What happens
Edna visits Mademoiselle Reisz's apartment seeking refuge and to talk about Robert. While waiting, she is visited by Robert Lebrun, who has returned from Mexico. Their conversation is awkward and strained, revealing unspoken tensions. Robert notices a photograph of Alcée Arobin, leading to a tense exchange. Edna invites Robert to dine with her, and he reluctantly accepts.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom vs. Confinement
Edna's move to the pigeon house and her independent lifestyle contrast with societal expectations, as highlighted by Adèle's warnings and the gossip about Arobin.
Sexuality and Desire
The tension between Edna and Robert, and the mention of Alcée Arobin's reputation, underscore Edna's awakening desires and the societal dangers associated with them.
Social Class and Convention
The formal social calls, the discussion of Arobin's character, and the expectations of Edna's behavior reflect the rigid social conventions of Creole society.
Characters to notice
- Edna Pontellier
Seeks refuge at Mademoiselle Reisz's apartment; encounters Robert Lebrun; invites him to dinner.
- Robert Lebrun
Returns from Mexico; visits Mademoiselle Reisz's apartment; has an awkward reunion with Edna.
- Mademoiselle Reisz
Absent from her apartment when Edna and Robert visit.
- Adèle Ratignolle
Visits Edna at her new house; warns Edna about Alcée Arobin's reputation.
- Alcée Arobin
Mentioned in conversation; his photograph is found in Edna's possession.
- Léonce Pontellier
Mentioned as being absent; Edna's moving is discussed.
- Mrs. James Highcamp
Visits Edna with Mrs. Merriman to invite her to play vingt-et-un.
- Mr. and Mrs. Merriman
Visit Edna with Mrs. Highcamp; invite her to a card party.
Key passages
“In some way you seem to me like a child, Edna. You seem to act without a certain amount of reflection which is necessary in this life.”
Adèle tells Edna she appears naive and impulsive, lacking the careful thought required to navigate society.
Adèle's warning reflects the societal pressure on Edna to conform and be cautious.
“I've been seeing the waves and the white beach of Grand Isle; the quiet, grassy street of the Chénière Caminada; the old sunny fort at Grande Terre. I've been working with a little more comprehension than a machine, and still feeling like a lost soul.”
Edna describes her inner life as stagnant and disconnected, echoing Robert's own sense of aimlessness.
This exchange reveals the emotional and spiritual emptiness both characters feel despite their physical activities.