The Awakening

The Awakening Chapter 16 Help

What is the significance of Edna telling Madame Ratignolle that “I would give up the unessential; I would give up my money; I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn’t give myself” (page 47)? And what about Madame Ratignolle’s reply that Edna “could do no more” because “your Bible tells you so” (page 47)?

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I think this is part of the nonconformist theme of the book. Edna embarks on a path of emotional, intellectual, and sexual awakening after spending a very pleasant summer with her young admirer, Robert Lebrun. In trying to gain a sense of herself as a complete, autonomous human being, she flouts convention by moving out of her husband's house, having an adulterous affair, and becoming an artist.

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