Trapped

Welcome back.

As a continuation from last time, let us go further in terms of The Awakening.

Remember last time I said something about female oppression back then? How I said that it was pretty normal for the woman? If you didn't remember, well, there it is.

Kate Chopin made it quite obvious too, but now, it is a bit more obvious-er. Yes, it's that redundant (and wrong).

Eventually, a part comes when Edna (the wife) is hanging out with all her friends, and everyone, including Edna, declare that "Mr. Pontellier was the best husband in the world."

Well, it is true that Mr. Pontellier does seem to love Edna, but as mentioned in the previous text, it is more like a love towards a valuable piece of private property. She is seen as a person, but to a certain extent, somewhat 'less' of a person.

But he doesn't seem too bad, does he? I mean, he might act like that, but probably in the inside, he loves her very much and is completely satisfied about having Edna as his wife. (Plus, he sends her chocolate. That must be a sign of happiness and love!)

Haha. Just kidding.

The chapter that comes directly afterwards states: "It would have been a difficult matter for Mr. Pontellier to define to his own satisfaction or any one else's wherein his wife failed in her duty toward their children. It was something which he felt rather than perceived, and he never voiced the feeling without subsequent regret and ample atonement."

Not the happiest husband if you ask me.

It's pretty clear at this point that sexual/social constraints is a (or the) main topic of the book. It's the story of a woman trapped in a cage called 'marriage'.

Speaking of cages, let us rewind.

*REWINDING*

The book starts with the mention of a caged parrot. The parrot says "Allez vous-en! Allez vous-en! Sapristi! That's all right!"

At first, I just read over that and said "no big deal," but then I decided to translate that...
...and I had an epiphany.

"Go away! Go away! Good heavens! That's all right!"

Remember how I said this book is the story of a woman trapped in a cage called 'marriage'?
Oooh. The parrot happens to be trapped in a cage too.
What do you know? The parrot represents Edna.
I think.

If this is so, then there might be a character that represents "the mocking-bird that hung on the other side of the door." Interesting.

Also, I wonder whom the 'parrot' is addressing when it screams out all those things. Men? Life?

We'll find out soon.
Hopefully.