There is a contentious debate among individuals concerning the influence of self-centeredness in society. Selfishness entails prioritizing one’s own interests, advantages, and well-being above all else, without taking others into account. In Kate Chopin’s novel The Awakening, the main character Edna comes to a realization about her dissatisfaction with life.
The novel, The Awakening, depicts Edna’s awakening which prompts her to reject her marriage, family, and other acquired relationships. Although societal expectations may provide an excuse for Edna’s actions, it is evident that selfishness plays a pivotal role in the story through her personal choices regarding friendships and familial ties. Edna develops intimate connections with two individuals throughout the narrative: Robert and Alcee.
In chapter thirty-six, Edna begins to manipulate Robert in an attempt to make him admit his love for her. However, Robert, who is involved with a married woman and wishes to honor her marriage, states, “…You want me to endure pain solely for your satisfaction, without any intention or ability to provide relief” (114). By using manipulation and prioritizing her own desires, Edna demonstrates that she does not value Robert’s emotions. She is entirely consumed by her own needs and fails to acknowledge the challenging circumstances they both face.
Simultaneously, Edna initiates a romantic involvement with Alcee, leading him to perceive their bond as profound. Despite Alcee declaring his affection for Edna, she becomes upset and urges him to depart by saying, “I simply desire solitude. Depart and amuse yourself. Refrain from remaining” (110).
This quote is in response to Alcee’s request to spend quality time with Edna. It is clear that Edna only uses Alcee for physical relations, knowing that Alcee is more invested in the relationship. Edna’s motivations are based on her own desires to satisfy her physical needs, which reveals her selfish side. As she goes through her awakening, Edna’s affection for her husband, Leonce, starts to diminish, leading to selfish behavior.
Leonce returns from the beach in Chapter eleven and discovers Edna alone outside. He tries to look after her and convince her to go inside, but she firmly states that she wants to stay outdoors. She also asserts that she has no intention of entering the house and is determined not to do so. Furthermore, she asks him not to speak to her in that manner again because she will not respond (34).
Edna is needlessly rude in the situation and does not show concern for her husband’s well-being or unusual behavior. In chapter thirty-two, Edna informs Leonce through a letter that she has decided to move out of their house. Upon learning this, Leonce promptly writes to express his complete disapproval and objection.
Edna is making decisions without consulting her husband and instead, only informing him afterwards. She neglects to have a personal conversation with Leonce to understand his thoughts and emotions on the matter. Edna shows no regard for her husband’s opinions, feelings, or worries. These selfish actions stem from Edna’s awakening.
Despite people arguing that Edna’s selfishness can be justified by the societal expectations of wives and their duties in the Creole society, the narrator in chapter four describes the ideal wife as someone who idolizes her children, worships her husband, and considers it a privilege to sacrifice her own individuality and become a caring angel (8). Having been brought up in the Creole society, Edna is well aware of the consequences and expectations that come with marriage. Nevertheless, she still chooses to commit herself to her husband and their future together.
In chapter sixteen, Edna expresses her selfishness when she shares her thoughts on motherhood. She states, “I would give up the unessential; I would give my money; I would give my life for my children but I wouldn’t give myself”(51). Despite being aware of the duties of marriage, Edna has no desire to fulfill them. She refuses to lose her own identity in her children’s lives, even though she knows that is expected of mothers in her society.
Edna’s selfish actions are unjustifiable, but some people make excuses for her behavior due to the unreasonable force and pressure imposed by Creole society. However, it is evident that selfishness is a significant factor in The Awakening, as demonstrated by Edna’s treatment of her family and friends. The pressure from Creole society has no impact on Edna’s selfish actions towards Robert, Alcee, Leonce, and her views on motherhood.
Recognizing the selfishness individuals bring to relationships would benefit not only Creole society, but any society.
