The Theme of Selfishness in Kate Chopin's, The Awakening
Meghan Dorosy
Mrs. Choi
American lit/ Period 3
30 January 2013
Selfishness Plays The Main Character Many individuals disagree with the role selfishness plays in society. Selfishness is defined as being concerned primarily with one’s own interests, benefits, and welfare, regardless of others. In the novel The Awakening by Kate Chopin, the main character, Edna, experiences a realization of the unsatisfactory life she has been living. This awakening leads Edna to reject her marriage, family, and other relationships she has acquired. Some people believe Edna’s selfish actions should be excused because of the Creole society expectations she is presumed to meet. However, the role of selfishness plays a large part in The Awakening through Edna’s personal choices regarding relationships with her friends and family. Edna develops several close relationships, two of which being men by the names of Robert and Alcee. In chapter thirty-six, Edna begins to manipulate the man she loves, Robert, only to hear him admit he loves her. Robert, being in love with a married woman and not wanting to disrespect her marriage responds, “…You would have me bare a wound for the pleasure of looking at it, without the intention or power of healing it” (114). By Edna’s manipulation and selfish desires, Robert realizes that Edna shows no concern for his feelings. Edna cares too much about her personal needs without taking into consideration Robert’s position in their situation and the struggle it brings. Around the same time, Edna has an affair with Alcee giving him false hope that they both share a strong affection. As Alcee continues to show his love, Edna grows upset and announces, “I don’t want to do anything but just be quiet. You go away and amuse yourself. Don’t stay” (110). This quote is in response to Alcee’s request to spend quality time with Edna. Evidently, Edna uses Alcee only for physical relations, knowing that Alcee’s investment in the relationship is clearly more. Edna’s
Mrs. Choi
American lit/ Period 3
30 January 2013
Selfishness Plays The Main Character Many individuals disagree with the role selfishness plays in society. Selfishness is defined as being concerned primarily with one’s own interests, benefits, and welfare, regardless of others. In the novel The Awakening by Kate Chopin, the main character, Edna, experiences a realization of the unsatisfactory life she has been living. This awakening leads Edna to reject her marriage, family, and other relationships she has acquired. Some people believe Edna’s selfish actions should be excused because of the Creole society expectations she is presumed to meet. However, the role of selfishness plays a large part in The Awakening through Edna’s personal choices regarding relationships with her friends and family. Edna develops several close relationships, two of which being men by the names of Robert and Alcee. In chapter thirty-six, Edna begins to manipulate the man she loves, Robert, only to hear him admit he loves her. Robert, being in love with a married woman and not wanting to disrespect her marriage responds, “…You would have me bare a wound for the pleasure of looking at it, without the intention or power of healing it” (114). By Edna’s manipulation and selfish desires, Robert realizes that Edna shows no concern for his feelings. Edna cares too much about her personal needs without taking into consideration Robert’s position in their situation and the struggle it brings. Around the same time, Edna has an affair with Alcee giving him false hope that they both share a strong affection. As Alcee continues to show his love, Edna grows upset and announces, “I don’t want to do anything but just be quiet. You go away and amuse yourself. Don’t stay” (110). This quote is in response to Alcee’s request to spend quality time with Edna. Evidently, Edna uses Alcee only for physical relations, knowing that Alcee’s investment in the relationship is clearly more. Edna’s