Essay on The Significance of Art in Chopins The Awakening

Edna seeks occupational freedom in art, but lacks sufficient courage to become a true artist. As Edna awakens to her selfhood and sensuality, she also awakens to art. Originally, Edna â€Å"dabbled† with sketching â€Å"in an unprofessional way† (Chopin 543). She could only imitate, although poorly (Dyer 89). She attempts to sketch Adà ¨le Ratignolle, but the picture â€Å"bore no resemblance† to its subject. After her awakening experience in Grand Isle, Edna begins to view her art as an occupation (Dyer 85). She tells Mademoiselle Reisz that she is â€Å"becoming an artist† (Chopin 584). Women traditionally viewed art as a hobby, but to Edna, it was much more important than that. Painting symbolizes Edna’s independence; through art, she breaks free from her†¦show more content†¦Music was a â€Å"means of brightening the home and making it attractive† (Chopin 553). Madame Ratignolle uses her talent to serve others. At an evening at Grand Isle, she played the piano in order that everyone would be able to dance. Edna’s artistic pursuits are very different than Madame Ratignolle’s. Edna’s art represents her quest for individuality (Boren 181). Her form of art does not provide pleasure or enrichment to her household. Instead, it takes her away from her family and her domestic duties (Dyer 87). Edna paints in her â€Å"atelier† (Chopin 579). Mr. Pontellier chides Edna for spending too much time in her atelier; he says that she would â€Å"be better employed contriving for the comfort of her family† (Chopin (579). Edna makes good progress in her painting; she dreams of â€Å"becoming an artist† (Chopin 584). However, her devotion to art is contrasted to that of novel’s true artist. Mademoiselle Reisz understood what it means to be an artist. She was an â€Å"artist at the piano† (Chopin 554). Mademoiselle Reisz was isolated from society. She lived alone with practically no friends, except Robert and Edna. Her proprietor described her as â€Å"the most disagreeable and unpopular woman† (Chopin 580). Mademoiselle Reisz defied society’s convention. She devoted herself entirely to art; as a result, she became ostracized from society (Koloski 119). She plays music, not for others, but for herself. She told Edna that she was â€Å"the onlyShow MoreRelated Essay on The Awakening733 Words   |  3 PagesCriticism of The Awakening      Ã‚   Reading through all of the different criticism of Kate Chopin’s The Awakening has brought about ideas and revelations that I had never considered during my initial reading of the novel.   When I first read the text, I viewed it as a great work of art to be revered.   However, as I read through all of the passages, I began to examine Chopin’s work more critically and to see the weaknesses and strengths of her novel.   Reading through others interpretations of herRead MoreThe Unique Style Of Kate Chopin s Writing1603 Words   |  7 PagesThe unique style of Kate Chopin’s writing has influenced and paved the way for many female authors. Although not verbally, Kate Chopin aired political and social issues affecting women and challenging the validity of such restrictions through fiction. 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