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.
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- This day is called the Feast of Crispian:
- He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
- Will stand a-tiptoe when the day is named,
- And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
- He that shall see this day and live t'old age,
- Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
- And say "To-morrow is Saint Crispian":
- Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars
- And say "These wounds I had on Crispin's day."
- Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot,
- But he'll remember with advantages
- What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
- Familiar in his mouth as household words
- Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
- Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,
- Be in their flowing cups freshly remembered.
- This story shall the good man teach his son;
- And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
- From this day to the ending of the world,
- But we in it shall be remembered;
- We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
- For he today that sheds his blood with me
- Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
- This day shall gentle his condition:
- And gentlemen in England now abed
- Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
- And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
- That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day. (IV, iii)
- - King Henry V
"airmen, who, undaunted by odds, unwearied in their constant challenge and mortal danger, are turning the tide of the world war by their prowess and by their devotion. Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few..."
- Winston Churchill during the Battle of Britain, 1940.
Brian, you are such a gentleman! I know that this is where your criticism of Edna comes from. I do appreciate your high standards when it comes to family structure and compassion for others. This will make you an excellent father and husband some day, and your wife a very lucky woman.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I want to point out right now is that you have female classmates that I can tell you respect very much. These female classmates defend Edna's actions, there has to be something to that, no? Keep your mind open to what these classmates are trying to convey, they may be closer to the source when it comes to understanding these characters.
Nice monthly connection! :-)