Bedside Lamp English Learning Reader IV: Awakening (English-Chinese Contrast)

Author: Wang Ruoping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features: Kate Chopin (1851–1904) was born in St. Louis, USA. After The Awakening was published in 1899, it faced condemnation 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 male writers of her time. For example, unlike Flaubert, who condemned Emma in Madame Bovary, Chopin celebrated her protagonist Edna Pontellier. Additionally, she boldly portrayed her husband's unfaithfulness as a beautiful thing, surpassing Lawrence in this regard. In terms of artistic creation, the book was recognized as a masterpiece from the very beginning.
The story begins in the late 19th century on Grand Isle, a summer retreat favored by wealthy French descendants of New Orleans. The female protagonist, Edna Pontellier, is vacationing there 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 opportunities to spend time with Adele Ratignolle, a traditional, nurturing wife, and Robert Lebrun, the son of Madame Lebrun. Through her interactions 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 confidante, and this summer, he chooses Edna. They often walk along the beach, chat, and watch Adele do needlework. Over time, their innocent relationship begins to change subtly, and Robert's concern awakens Edna's long-suppressed sexual desire. Edna becomes more vibrant than ever, learns to swim, and begins to realize her independence and sexual needs. Their attendance at church services can be considered the peak of their emotional connection. Afterward, Robert realizes the impossibility of their relationship and abruptly leaves for Mexico to prevent it from developing further.
Unable to forget their past connection, Robert returns to New Orleans and, for the first time, frankly confesses his love for Edna, reigniting her feelings for him. She explains to Robert that she belongs to no one and can be with him without her husband's consent, which surprises Robert. On the way back to Adele's home, Dr. Mandel offers Edna a sincere invitation, saying she can turn to him if she has any problems. Upon returning home, Robert, who was waiting for her, 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 her solitude forever. She chooses suicide.