Part I: pages 1 – 35
Hey everyone! I composed this response since last week, and decided that I should share it so that we can all get familiar on the novels we are all working on to help prepare for college. So here it is! Response 2 of 4 should be posted later on today :)
I automatically feel as if I’m in a foreign place, noting that this story involves French and other languages I am not accustomed to. This makes the book all the more interesting to read at once.
One thing that I noticed again, was that French creoles are involved, and I really forgot what that meant! Not such a good situation to encounter, especially when trying to make the most of a book. That’ll be the next word on my vocabulary list. What shocked me the most in the beginning was the fact that husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Pontellier, were not so acknowledging of each other when one arrived. For example, when Mr. Pontellier came home from Klein’s hotel, he tried to begin a conversation with his wife. From that, he was discouraged because she would barely respond and show that she was not so much interested. So, he goes and checks on their sons, and finds out that one has a fever. It amazes me how he sends to tell his wife, and then he goes to smoke a cigar. I can just see how he lacks some kind of support; especially, how he goes out to have leisure without his whole family and comes back while his wife and children are already in bed.
After reading some more, I come to believe that this couple surely has issues with each other and their individual parenting skills; particularly, the Mrs. It’s only been a few pages later and now I’m confused. As this next morning comes, they’re once again joyous like the previous night never happened, and Mrs. Pontellier gets money, and she exclaims that she knew of no one better husband than Mr. Pontellier.
What I do like about the introduction and beginning to this story is the clear picture of such a life. If I were to describe this in adjectives I would say very feminine, delicate, exquisite, fine, fresh, and relaxing. It is really turning up to be a good read. Great, rather. I can find some benefit in the novel because I am a total feminist myself! I love to read about the lives of females and what happens in life. From there, we can relate a somewhat truth of beauty and grace. A very good symbol of this feminine touch at the moment would be Madame Ratignolle from how she is described where we think, “How could any man turn her down or hurt her.” I will obviously keep reading to discover more!
Maybe Mr. Pontellier is stressed out in the situation he is in. His marriage is good bad, his child is sick, etc... Maybe he smoked a cigar to relieve his stress. I don't approve of smoking, but for some people it's a stress reliever
ReplyDeleteAlana, you nailed a couple of things. The Pontelliers' marriage is indeed troubled. Leonce and Edna are on two different planes. Edna knows it but Mr. Pontellier is in total denial/ignorance. As for Mrs. Ratignole, she is indeed the quintessential female. She knows how to play her role as a wife and mother very well and that responsibility sits well with her. She is definitely Edna's most significant foil.
ReplyDeleteTruly. Thank you Mrs.Griffin! Now I have a better understanding of how Leonce and Edna are associated in the book.
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