The Awakening by Kate Chopin

Have you read Kate Chopin's The Awakening? I just finished my 4th reading of it. I've said to others that the novel sticks with me. The ending was controversial in it's time (1899) and remains controversial today. Two friends decided to read it and did not make it through to the end. It didn't capture their interest.

Just this morning I came across one of my favorite passages. The leading lady, Edna, is speaking with her friend, Arobin (male), of an exchange she had with another friend, Mlle. Reisz (wise crone). Edna says:
"Well, for instance, when I left her [Mlle. Reisz] today, she put her arms around me and felt my shoulder blades, to see if my wings were strong, she said. 'The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings. It is a sad spectacle to see the weakling bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth'."
"...I've heard she's partially demented," said Arobin.
"She seems to me wonderfully sane," Edna replied.

It's not easy to be a bridge from a past way of thinking into something new. It's rough on relationships and on one's ego.

Pay attention to your internal knock-knock-knockings and strengthen your wings. The planet requires evolved ideas for a loving future.

If you've read the novel, the accompanying photo makes sense ;)

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