March Monthly Connection

Personally, I am getting kind of tired of this unit. Women's rights is an important topic in school, just as slavery and the Holocaust are. It is important to know the history of our society, whether it is good or bad. However, I think we as a class have talked about this issue for so long that we are just going in circles. Perhaps this is because some people for whatever reason, still refuse to accept what the literature is trying to teach. The fact is that ALL people, regardless of race, gender, or background, are equal and hold the same position in society. Women are not meant to be "barefoot, pregnant, and in the kitchen" just as black people are not meant to be slaves.
Society would be a lot better if people focused on the things they have in common, instead of their differences. Perhaps if people were to focus on the problems that everyone has instead of only what effects them, then we could solve these problems. If people were to care more about other peolple and less about themselves, this world would be a lot better place. As I have said before a truly great person is not only successful pesonally, but helps the people around him or her to succeed as well. Peekay from The Power of One is an excellent example of this. Even though he is pursuing his own dreams, he doesn't stop helping other people to achieve theirs.

February Monthly Connection

In contrast to last month, I find the character of Laila and of Mariam to be commendable. They endure extreme hardship, yet continue on as best they can. Mariam is mistreated and under appreciated for her entire life, yet she is still compassionate and caring. This is seen in her love for the children and the sacrifice that she makes for them in the end of the novel. Laila is also entirely devoted to her children and their well being. This is in stark contrast to Edna who puts herself first. I understand her need to find herself and to live as she wants to. However, I don't understand why she has to leave her family/kill herself. Couldn't she find freedom in her art or some other area? I know it was virtually impossible for a woman during her time to gain equality and true freedom, but she certainly was better off then Laila and Mariam and they gave everything for their family.
I find the idea that a parent cannot be a good parent if they are not content with themselves questionable. While it is not ideal, I think a parent could still fulfill their role even if they are in some kind of internal struggle. I know that during Edna's time nurses were responsible for taking care of the children, but the parent were still an important part of a child's life. This brings me to another point. While I have been very critical of Edna, I have not been as critical of Mr. Pontellier, which is unfair. I think his actions were less deplorable than Edna's, but his ignorance of her problems is wrong. He appeared distant and out of touch with her, which is not good. While it is Edna's actions that I find deplorable, it is Mr. Pontellier's inaction that bothers me. He needed to be more active and involved with his family. Perhaps if Mr. Pontellier was more understanding and flexible, Edna could have found, or at least got close to, the life she was looking for.
A lcak of understanding seems to be a common problem nowadays as well. People seem to do more talking and less listening than they should. In my previous post I said that divorce has become a major problem. I believe that the increase in divorces is due in part to a lack of communication and of compassion, such as in A Doll's House. It is easier to overcome problems when you put other people's concerns before your own and try to see their side.

January Monthly Connection

I find the character and actions of Edna Pontellier despicable. She betrays her husband and family and puts herself first. I understand her desire to be more independent, but leaving her family? That is just pathetic. In her relationships with Alycee and Robert, she knowingly betrays Mr. Pontellier. Some people say you should follow your heart and forget society’s expectations. However, to betray your husband and your family is wrong. I am all for equality and woman’s rights, but betraying your marriage isn’t “women’s rights.” It isn’t “woman’s emancipation” either, as the back of the book says. It is just wrong. When a man cheats on his wife, he’s called a cheater and a low-life, but when a woman does it it’s “female emancipation”. That’s a load of BS. What makes this all worse is the fact that not only did she betray her husband, but she consciously abandoned and neglected her children. Her own children!! That’s pathetic. If she were to divorce her husband and they went their own way, it would be regrettable but not wrong. However, when you add children to the equation they must come first. I’m not saying she has to be a stay at home wife and raise the kids, the husband could do that for all I care, but she at least has to be a mother to her children.
Another thing I don’t understand is why Edna is considered to be “oppressed” by her husband and society. While Mr. Pontellier could be a better husband, he wasn’t horrible and certainly didn’t deserve what he got. Edna had money to buy what ever she wanted, she was free to explore whatever art form she wanted, and was able to go anywhere she wanted. It wasn’t like she was discriminated against, poor, or abused. To be blunt, she was an upper class, white woman. Add to that the fact that she lived in a culture where woman were treated with the utmost respect. I think Edna Pontellier is more of an example of what is wrong with America today, then women’s emancipation. Today’s society is too self-centered and morally weak. Divorce and adultery are commonplace. The idea of “family” is not what it used to be.