Awakening · Bedside Lamp. 4: English Learning Reader

Author: Wang Ruoping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features: Insights on Reading from Renowned Figures in the English World. It's not enough to just learn a few dry English sentences; don't always focus on improving English as the sole purpose of reading. Reading is primarily about absorbing knowledge, and in the process of absorbing knowledge, the language is naturally absorbed as well. — Xu Guozhang
Using English thinking is an aspiration many English learners hope to achieve, as it is the foundation for expressing thoughts fluently in English. For a Chinese student living in a non-English environment, it is indeed challenging to think partially or entirely in English, but it is not an unattainable goal. From my own experience in learning English, I've found that persistent extensive reading is one of the most effective ways to achieve this goal. — He Qixin (Vice President and Doctoral Supervisor, Beijing Foreign Studies University)
For intermediate and advanced English learners, I highly recommend reading simplified English materials. The content should be easy to understand, with a strong narrative element, and the reading speed should be as fast as possible. The more you read, the better. This is a tried-and-true method for learning English. — Hu Wenzhong (Professor, Beijing Foreign Studies University)
Kate Chopin (1851–1904) was born in St. Louis, Missouri. The Awakening, published in 1899, faced condemnation for decades afterward, even being banned by libraries in places like St. Louis. It began to gain recognition in the 1950s and is now considered a classic of American literature, having been adapted into an opera. Some have pointed out that Kate Chopin, as a female writer, even surpassed many of her male contemporaries. For example, unlike Flaubert, who condemned Emma in Madame Bovary, Chopin celebrated her protagonist Edna Pontellier. Additionally, she boldly portrayed her husband's infidelity as a beautiful thing, surpassing D.H. Lawrence in this regard. In terms of artistic creation, the book was recognized from the beginning as a masterpiece.
The story begins in the late 19th century on Grand Isle, a summer resort favored by the wealthy French descendants of New Orleans. The protagonist, Edna Pontellier, is vacationing there with her husband, Leonidas, and two children, staying in a small villa provided by Madame Lebrun for holidaymakers. Although her husband is kind to her, his busy work schedule often leaves him with little time for her, giving Edna opportunities to interact with Adele Ratignolle, a traditional homemaker, and Robert Lebrun, the son of Madame Lebrun. Through her relationship with Adele, Edna learns various ways to express her emotions freely, which liberates her from her past cautious behavior and suppressed feelings and desires. Robert, since his youth, has chosen a different woman each summer as his close confidante, and this summer, he chooses Edna. They often walk by the sea, chat, and watch Adele do needlework. Over time, their innocent relationship begins to change subtly, and Robert's concern stirs long-suppressed sexual desires in Edna.
Edna becomes more vibrant than ever before, learning to swim and beginning to realize her independence and sexual needs. Their attendance at church services marks the peak of their emotional connection. Afterward, Robert realizes the impossibility of their relationship and abruptly leaves for Mexico to avoid further development. Heartbroken but unforgettable, Robert returns to New Orleans and, for the first time, confesses his love for Edna, reigniting her feelings for him. She explains that she belongs to no one and can be with Robert without her husband's consent, which surprises Robert. On the way back from visiting Adele, Dr. Mandel offers Edna his sincere invitation to seek help if she has any problems. Upon returning home, Robert leaves a note: "I love you. Because of you, I can no longer do this. Edna collapses on the sofa and sits there all night. She realizes that even Robert cannot understand her, nor can her husband. She is a prisoner of her children. She comes to Grand Isle, the place where she first awakened, and in the gentle embrace of the sea, she finds liberation, escaping solitude forever. She chooses suicide.