Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Love or Lust?
After reading Kristen D's post, I can definitely see how the relationship between the Pontelliers can be seen as "forced," but to push back, it is hard to see a natural relationship between Robert and Edna because of knowing the type of man Robert is. It is clear that Edna is finding her true self, and maybe it is simply convenient that Robert is there when her "awakening" is occurring. Any girl, and a vulnerable one at that, could agree that she would be weak in the knees over a young man giving her attention. Especially Robert, who during "his oblivious attention...quietly rested his head against Mrs. Pontellier's arm" (Chopin 15). Maybe this relationship is pure, but it is something to think about when we know that Edna is quickly reinventing and exploring her life. She is realizing that she rushed into a life she did not want, and it just so happens, Robert is there to be her shoulder to lean on. So I guess it is something to consider about the relationship between Robert and Edna: is it love, or is Edna lusting after what she could have had?
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I agree with the fact that Robert was simply there. The Pontelliers relationship may be forced, but I don't think the Robert and Edna relationship would have been anymore natural.
ReplyDeleteI feel like Edan would not go for the "love" aspect of a relationship. It probably wouldn't have given her the individualistic freedom she desires. Therefore, I have to think the hypothetical relationships with Robert would have been purely about lust.
I feel that any relationship that Edna is in during this period of awakening would come across as forced. She doesn't know what she wants yet and is still becoming who she is as a women. I think that leaves a lot to question about whether she would be comfortable in the Robert relationship or if it would come across the same way, but with a different name.
ReplyDeleteI would disagree that the relationship between Robert and Edna is nothing more than lust. Paige notes the "the type of man Robert is", but I think she may be confused. I feel the addition of Alcee later in the story shows us that Robert is a very different man from him. Robert was known to be flirtatious but in a joking kind of way and was really only involved with women who nothing could happen with. The text notes that there is something different with Edna. Alcee however is for lack of a better term a rake and he knows exactly what he's doing. Edna feels guilty during her time with Alcee, but not because of her husband, she thinks only of Robert during this affair. Edna may not be able to give herself completely to love just as she cannot give herself completely to anything, but I would argue the relationship is based on a little more than just lust.
ReplyDeleteI believe it's lust. Often when people are in relationships for a long period of time they are susceptible to become use to each other, and when someone new comes along it is easy for he or she to feel special because of the actions of this new person are something fresh and new.
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