Awakening - Bedside English Learning Reader IV (Pure English Version)

Author: Wang Ruoping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features: Kate Chopin (1851–1904) was born in St. Louis, Missouri. The Awakening was published in 1899 and was condemned for decades, even being banned from 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 depicted 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. For instance, after its publication, the literary critic C.L. Deyo, who disliked the book's content, said it was indeed sorrowful, indeed mad, indeed bad, but indeed, it was the peak of art. In the 1950s, the renowned scholar Brooks said that many prolific writers could not match the perfection of this small but significant book (one small perfect book that mattered more than the whole life-work of many a prolific writer). The story begins in the late 19th century on Grand Isle, a summer retreat favored by the wealthy French descendants of New Orleans. The protagonist, Edna Pontellier, is on vacation with her husband, Leonidas, and two children, staying in a small villa provided by Madame Lebrun for vacationers. Although her husband is kind to her, his busy work schedule often leaves him with little time for her, giving Edna the opportunity to spend time with Adele Ratignolle, a traditional, nurturing wife and mother, and Robert Lebrun, the son of Madame Lebrun. Through her interactions with Adele, Edna learns various ways to express her emotions freely, liberating herself from her past cautious behavior and repressed feelings and desires. Robert, since his youth, has chosen a different woman each summer as his close confidante, and this summer, he chose Edna. They often went for walks by the sea, chatted, and watched Adele do needlework. Over time, their innocent relationship began to change subtly, and Robert's concern stirred long-suppressed sexual desire in Edna. Edna became more vibrant than ever before, she learned to swim, and she began to realize her independence and sexual needs. Their attendance at church services can be considered the high point of their relationship. Afterward, Robert realized the impossibility of their feelings and abruptly left for Mexico to avoid further development. Heartbroken after losing Robert, Edna returned to New Orleans after the vacation ended, immersing herself in painting and abandoning all social responsibilities, even canceling the traditional Tuesday afternoon guest visits that had been maintained for six years after her marriage. In this act of rebellion, she felt increasing joy. Her husband noticed the changes in her and sought help from their family doctor, Mandéle. The doctor observed Edna during a meal at the Pontellier home and noticed her transformation, suspecting her of having an affair but keeping this from Leonidas instead, advising him to let nature take its course. Following the doctor's advice, Leonidas left Edna alone at home during a business trip to New York, with the children staying with their grandmother. Edna completely abandoned her old lifestyle, moving into a small house and declaring her independence. On good days, she painted, and on bad days, she visited a pianist, Miss Reisz, whom she had met on Grand Isle, who, in a way, could be seen as a link between Edna and Robert's lingering feelings. During this time, Edna became involved with a man named Alcée Arobin, but their relationship contained no love. On one hand, she longed for Robert's love, while on the other, she continued to indulge her sexual desires. However, in her relationship with Alcée, Edna remained firmly in control, independent. The unforgettable Robert returned to New Orleans and, for the first time, frankly confessed his love for Edna, reigniting her feelings for him. She explained to Robert that she belonged to no one and that she could be with him without her husband's consent, which left Robert puzzled. On the way back to Adele's home, Dr. Mandéle sincerely invited Edna to seek his help if she had any problems. Upon returning home, Robert, who had been waiting for her, left a note: "I love you. Because of you, I can no longer do this." Edna collapsed onto the sofa and sat there all night. She realized that even Robert couldn't understand her, nor could her husband—she was a prisoner of her children. She returned to Grand Isle, the place where she first awoke, and in the gentle embrace of the sea, she found liberation, forever escaping solitude. She chose to take her own life.