The awakening part 1

Word Count: 262

 "IT WOULD HAVE BEEN a difficult matter for Mr. Pontellier to define to his own satisfaction or any one else’s wherein his wife failed in her duty to- ward their children."

"It was easy to know them, fluttering about with extended, protecting wings when any harm, real or imaginary, threatened their precious brood. They were women who idol- ized their children, worshiped their husbands, and esteemed it a holy privi- lege to efface themselves as individuals and grow wings as ministering angels."

These two quotes are within the same chapter but relate to the characterization of Mrs. Pontellier who was considered to not be a "mother-woman". The characterization of a mother-woman is recognized in the quote to be a woman who does anything and everything for their children and husbands and find it to be the greatest honor to do so. It is even recognized in the first quote how Mrs. Pontellier is considered to have failed her duty as a wife and mother because she does not follow the common mother-woman role that all the other women do. It is surprising that Mrs. Pontellier is so criticized and put down for valuing her own individuality and not giving in to every backing call of her husband and children. It is shocking to read about the expectations of women as wives and as mothers during the time this novel was written because there is a sense of honor behind being almost servant-like as a wife and mother and there is a lack of independence once a woman is married and has children. 

Comments

  1. Jordan MillsMarch 23, 2021 at 8:50 AM

    I thought it was interesting that they used the term "mother-woman" when describing those who were "idolizing there chidren" and "worshiping their husband" and basically being a content caregiver. I think that with this being said that it was hard to be seen outside of this and if you were it would be considered as a failure.

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  2. Krystina TannerMarch 25, 2021 at 9:38 AM

    I found it crazy as well that Mrs.Pontellier was put down for valuing herself and not spending every second of her life being at her husband and children backing calls. I feel as though in order to be a good mother and wife is not by dropping everything to care for your family, you still need to be able to do things that make you happy as well. I also agree with you on how it's shocking to read about what the expectations for women were back then, because it is nothing even close to the expectations in today's society.

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  3. cdaddarioMarch 30, 2021 at 6:23 AM

    Throughout our class I feel like this is a common theme discussed over and over again, of “what makes a good mother”. During this time if the woman did not take her “duties” seriously she was considered not a woman. I also found it surprising and sad that Mrs. Pontellier failed as a mother and a wife because she went against the norm and wanting to have her own identity and I am glad that Oman nowadays are not viewed like this.

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