Bedside Lamp English Learning Reader IV: Awakening (Pure English Version)

Author: Wang Ruoping
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2006-01-01
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 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. Moreover, she boldly portrayed the unfaithfulness of her wife as a beautiful thing, a move that preceded D.H. Lawrence. 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 pinnacle of art. In the 1950s, the renowned scholar Brooks said that many prolific writers’ entire lifework was not as perfect as this small but significant book (a 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 suppressed feelings and desires. Robert, since his youth, has chosen a different woman each summer as his close confidante. That summer, he chose Edna. They often went for walks on the beach, 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. Going to church together can be said to be the peak of their emotional connection. Afterward, Robert realized the impossibility of their relationship and abruptly left for Mexico to avoid further development. Heartbroken after losing Robert, Edna was lost in despair. Upon returning to New Orleans after the vacation, she immersed herself in painting, abandoning all her social responsibilities, even canceling the tradition of hosting guests on Tuesday afternoons, which had been maintained for six years since 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 discovered her transformation. He suspected that Edna was having an affair but kept this from Leonidas, instead advising him to let nature take its course. Following the doctor’s advice, Leonidas left Edna alone at home when he went on a business trip to New York, and the children were also taken by their grandmother. Edna completely abandoned her old way of life, moving into a small house and declaring her independence. On sunny days, she painted, and on bad days, she visited Miss Reisz, a pianist she had met on Grand Isle, who, in a way, can be seen as a link between Edna and Robert’s lingering feelings. During this time, Edna had an affair 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, proving her independence. The unforgettable Robert returned to New Orleans and, for the first time, frankly confessed his love for Edna, reigniting her love 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 help if she had any problems. Upon returning home, Robert left without her, leaving a note: "I love you. Because of you, I can no longer do this. Edna collapsed on the sofa, sitting 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.