Women in a Patriarchal Society
Women in ancient and modern societies have been considered to be subject to men due to perceived inferiority when compared to the male gender. Is this true? Thus, we will use the book titled “In the Awakening,” to validate whether the statement is true or false. We will, therefore, observe whether there are instances of powerlessness or power of women or both in the book’s patriarchal society. We will support the thesis “Women have power or are powerless in the Patriarchal society” using various instances from the book.
Displays of Power by Women Characters in the Book
Some women dominate or are dictatorial in their homes. Madame Lebrun is inconsiderate of her husband, Mr. Pontellier’s comfort at home. “The parrot and the mockingbird were the property of Madame Lebrun, and they had the right to make all the noise they wished. Mr. Pontellier had the privilege of quitting their society when they ceased to be entertaining. “Women’s pleasant characters have been portrayed to be an inspiration to others. “Many of them were delicious in the role; one of them was the embodiment of every womanly grace and charm.”
Women have become independent over marital affairs. Edna entirely dismisses her previous way of life. She moves into her very own home and announces herself “independent”—the ownership of nobody. Edna discloses to Robert her recently settled “independence,” preventing the rights from securing her husband over her and clarifying how she, together with Robert can live happily together, overlooking everything unessential to their relationship. “ She moves into her very own home and announces herself “independent”—the ownership of nobody.”
Women are portrayed to sometimes be dominant in extra-marital affairs. Edna did maintain control all through their extra-marital relationship with Arobin. She satisfies her sexual desires but holds her freedom from male mastery. “She maintains control all through their extra-marital relationship with Arobin.”
Display of women powerlessness
Edna is easily manipulated by Robert Lebrun, who is known to often use married women for his sexual and emotional desires, especially during summers. She is easily lured by affection and attention from Robert with thoughts of inspiration on being aware of independence and sexuality, yet she is a married woman. This affects her marriage as she feels mysteriously depressed when with her husband at night and significantly blissful during her “freedom moments.” “The sentiment which she entertained for Robert in no way resembled that which she felt for her husband, or had ever felt, or ever expected to feel.”
Women are easily romantically attached to men. Edna is easily attracted to other men. “The action was initially a little confusing to Edna, but she soon lent herself readily to the Creole’s gentle caress.” “At another time, her affections were deeply engaged by a young gentleman who visited a lady on a neighboring plantation.”
Women sometimes forget their social responsibilities due to influence from factors such as extra-marital affairs and others. In New Orleans, Edna actively seeks out her work of art in painting. She disregards every last bit of her social duties, which worries her husband, Leonce, pushing him to seek guidance from Mandelet, their family physician. Adele reminds Edna of her children when she sees Edna have forgotten herself when the relationship between her and Robert has intensified. “She would sometimes gather them passionately to her heart; she would sometimes forget them.” “In short, Mrs. Pontellier was not a mother-woman.”
Women have been portrayed to be emotionally weak. Edna commits suicide in a sea due to heartbreak and haunted by her past deeds and mistakes triggered by Robert leaving her and with a farewell note. “She swims too deep into the sea where there is unknown fate.”
Women are subject to their husbands as they give them unnecessary humility. “They were women who idolized their children, worshiped their husbands, and esteemed it a holy privilege to efface themselves as individuals and grow wings as ministering angels.”
From the occurrences above, it is prudent to say that women both have power and are powerless in the patriarchal society. The patriarchal nature of our communities may trigger or suppress a woman’s ability, depending on how the woman decides to react to the given situation. But it is a brilliant idea to value our women.
Works Cited
Chopin, Kate. The Awakening. Dover Publ., 1993.