A Homosexual Approach to the Awakening: an Interpretation of New Criticism
Jared Lloyd Koehler
Mr. Keehan
CAPP Composition
February 25th, 2013
A Homosexual Approach to The Awakening: An Interpretation of New Criticism
An anonymous man once said that, “to find one’s sexuality, is to find one’s independence”. Independence is a central theme within The Awakening. Though many construe the novel to portray a simple journey of one’s independence from a patriarchal society, it also sends a subtler message of homosexuality through symbols and themes. Kate Chopin utilizes homoerotic themes within the characters: Robert, Mademoiselle Reisz, and Edna, which edifies the broad theme of independence.
“Young Robert” was first introduced in chapter one when Mr. Pontellier tried to shoo him away from Edna, but “Robert admitted quite frankly that he preferred to stay where he was and talk to [Edna]” (Chopin 1). Throughout The Awakening, Robert is viewed quite harmlessly, even to Mr. Pontellier. In fact, Adele warns Robert that Edna “might make the unfortunate blunder of taking you seriously,” (Chopin 8). Robert is quite defensive to this statement, but later apologizes and assures Adele that “Edna will never take me seriously” (Chopin 8). Robert is an adult man in his twenties, and is attributed to be “young and handsome” and yet, he is said to be incapable of seduction. When Léonce leaves for work, he leaves his wife and Robert with total trust. Biggs writes that, “the young, handsome, unattached Robert spends all day, every day with their wives [and] [n]either Léonce nor Edna nor Robert himself seems to perceive him as a true sexual threat” (158). In fact, Léonce actually supports Edna’s relationship with Robert. On Robert and Edna’s full day together at Cheniere Caminada, Edna wonders if Léonce would be bothered by her absence. Robert responds with “Of course not; he knows you are with me."(Chopin 8) It is apparent Léonce not only permits his wife to spend time alone with Robert but also encourages the action. Upon Robert’s departure,
Mr. Keehan
CAPP Composition
February 25th, 2013
A Homosexual Approach to The Awakening: An Interpretation of New Criticism
An anonymous man once said that, “to find one’s sexuality, is to find one’s independence”. Independence is a central theme within The Awakening. Though many construe the novel to portray a simple journey of one’s independence from a patriarchal society, it also sends a subtler message of homosexuality through symbols and themes. Kate Chopin utilizes homoerotic themes within the characters: Robert, Mademoiselle Reisz, and Edna, which edifies the broad theme of independence.
“Young Robert” was first introduced in chapter one when Mr. Pontellier tried to shoo him away from Edna, but “Robert admitted quite frankly that he preferred to stay where he was and talk to [Edna]” (Chopin 1). Throughout The Awakening, Robert is viewed quite harmlessly, even to Mr. Pontellier. In fact, Adele warns Robert that Edna “might make the unfortunate blunder of taking you seriously,” (Chopin 8). Robert is quite defensive to this statement, but later apologizes and assures Adele that “Edna will never take me seriously” (Chopin 8). Robert is an adult man in his twenties, and is attributed to be “young and handsome” and yet, he is said to be incapable of seduction. When Léonce leaves for work, he leaves his wife and Robert with total trust. Biggs writes that, “the young, handsome, unattached Robert spends all day, every day with their wives [and] [n]either Léonce nor Edna nor Robert himself seems to perceive him as a true sexual threat” (158). In fact, Léonce actually supports Edna’s relationship with Robert. On Robert and Edna’s full day together at Cheniere Caminada, Edna wonders if Léonce would be bothered by her absence. Robert responds with “Of course not; he knows you are with me."(Chopin 8) It is apparent Léonce not only permits his wife to spend time alone with Robert but also encourages the action. Upon Robert’s departure,
Cited: Biggs, Mary. “‘Si Tu Savais’": The Gay/Transgendered Sensibility of Kate Chopin 's The Awakening." Woman 's Studies 33 (2004): 145-81. Academic Search Complete. Web. 18 Feb. 2013. Chopin, Kate. The Awakening, and Other Stories. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1970. Print. LeBlanc, Elizabeth. "The Metaphorical Lesbian: Edna Pontellier in The Awakening."Tulsa Studies in Women 's Literature 15.2 (1996): 289-307. Academic Search Complete. Web. 18 Feb. 2013. Seidel, Kathryn. "Art Is an Unnatural Act: Mademoiselle Reisz in 'The Awakening '" The Mississippi Quarterly 46.2 (1993): 1-3. Academic Search Complete. Web. 18 Feb. 2013. Zimmerman, Bonnie. "Lesbians Like This and That: Some Notes on Lesbian Criticism for the Nineties." Ed. Sally Munt. New Lesbian Criticism: Literary and Cultural Readings (1992): 4-5. Academic Search Complete. Web. 18 Feb. 2013.