Task 1: In Chapter 20, Victor remarked that Edna, in “some way she doesn’t seem like the same woman.” Find two images online to show what you think Edna looks like at the beginning of the book and at this point of the novel. Feel free to include relevant quotes to show changes in her character.
In Chapter 19, it says that “she began to do as she liked and to feel as she liked… She made no ineffectual efforts to conduct her housend en bonne menagere, going and coming as it suited her fancy…” (89) which was different to how she was before as she would act as a typical housewife even though she didn’t like it, hence why she was said to “not [be] a mother-woman” (12) and her husband “thought it was very discouraging that his wife… evinced so little interest in things which concerned him” (8). From the beginning of the book she was just acting as best as she could as the wife she was meant to be, but there are statements which show that she wasn’t the best at it, as quoted above. Once she has a breakdown and realises a few things about herself she is more free like what was said on page 89, which is the reason why Victor said that “she doesn’t seem like the same women” (96).
Task 2: In Chapter 21, we see a description of the apartment of Mademoiselle Reisz. Find an image online that you think best represents her apartment. Discuss how this apartment is symbolic of another type of life, a different type of life that Edna might be yearning for. [around 200 words]
I don’t think there is a clear picture of her apartment as it seems to be a type of place that is individual to the person, and in the apartment it’s not perfectly designed and everything is not matched. It still seems like a nice place and looking nice but more personal with well worn items like the “rare old buffet, dingy and battered from a hundred years of use” (97), and items that the woman might have found and picked up without too much care about what it would look like amongst the place. I feel like she cares more for the significance of items rather than materialistic and having a perfectly designed place with everything in pristine condition. I feel like Edna might like that idea as she hasn’t got the freedom to do so, and in a way the apartment represents the freedom she is lacking, so she might wish she had that type of life that Mademoiselle Reisz has.
Task 3: Imagine you are Robert; write the letter that we read about in Chapter 21, the letter that was written to Mademoiselle, the letter that made Edna cry uncontrollably. [around 300 words]
Dear Mademoiselle Reisz,
I am enjoying my stay in Mexico. It was the right decision to leave, Mrs. Pontellier was in my thoughts too often for a friendship and I feel I could not have stayed a moment longer, for fear of doing something I know I should not. Have you see Mrs. Pontellier? How is she looking? Do write back and tell me though, I suppose your words will be a poor replacement for her true self, I hope it will bring me comfort.
She asked me to write to her but everytime I pick up my pen, I lose control of my hand and end up writing something she should not know. The embodiment of the yearning I feel. Something I should not say. I almost did, during our last conversation, but I stopped myself. I will come to regret that, I feel, maybe I should have said something before I left. Though it is probably best I didn’t, it would have soured the already bittersweet parting. I kept away from her the day I left. Kept silent and kept mystery about myself, as Mrs. Pontellier once said that day. I hoped it would ease the sorrow I felt. I never spoke to her much, except for goodbye. Such a painful word, in my experience.
Maybe once you receive this letter, you could show her? Then again, perhaps not, I know nothing of her feelings. Maybe if I return, things could be different. Anyhow, if Mrs. Pointellier should call upon you, play for her that Impromptu of Chopin’s, my favourite. I heard it here a day or two ago, but not as you play it. I would like to know how it affects her. I have a feeling she will appreciate the freedom of the piece.
Give Mrs. Pontellier my best, should you see her. Hopefully my next letter to you will be one of more positive contents, when my head has been cleared of my thoughts of her. Though don’t get your hopes up. I feel as if that is an impossible task.
Kindest Regards,
Robert Lebrun
Evie's Learner Portfolio 