Journal 2

Part 1:
Throughout the novel, sleep seems to be used as a reflection on what the characters are
going through. For example, Mr. Pontellier goes about sleep in an almost cavalier manor. It is
something that comes easily and is an activity of little thought. Edna on the other hand, has a
much different experience through sleep. Her sleep is often characterized by an agitated,
unsettled tone, as shown in the description She slept but a few hours. They were troubled and
feverish hours. Interestingly enough this coincides with both her actions of standing up to her
husband, and to her experience of swimming out at sea. If the notion that sleep in a continued
medium on the characters given mental state, we can see how bothered Edna really is by the
revelation. One would think that shed be hopeful or even joyous about her newfound sense of
freedom and liberation, but through the readers insight gained from examining her inner self
(reflected in sleep) it becomes apparent its quite the opposite.
This troubled and feverish state of mind can be explained through an examination of
Ednas culture. Since the Creole culture puts so much emphasis on the maternal and
subservient aspect of womanhood, she is torn because of an inner conflict. Should she be
faithful to culture and society and remain an enslaved woman, or should she explore this
newfound sense of liberation that has been established by her newfound experience of
individuality? Chopin then goes on to describe Ednas restless state of mind as leaving only an
impression upon her half-awakened senses of something unattainable. The choice to describe
Ednas consciousness as half-awakened indicates that she has not fully come to grips with her
inner liberation. Also, describing the impression as being something which is unattainable
really indicates how engrained the societal normalcy of female subservience is. Even though
she has had this profound experience of liberation, the cultural implications of her acting further
on these individual notions is an illusory reality.
Part 2:
How does the current mental state of the character portrayed by the character?
Part 3:
Pirogue- a canoe made from a hollowed-out tree trunk, used especially in southern Louisiana
Solicitude- concern and consideration shown for somebody or something
Acadian- a French settler who colonized Acadia after 1604
Discussion question- Why does Edna feel so conflicted about the notion of independence?