give up hersoul, and just as importantly, her voice.Characterization is important in The Awakening because it shows importantcontrasts between Edna and the array of characters that surround her. There areconstantly a pair of lovers surrounding her, always very self involved and obviously inlove. They serve to show her what her life, especially her marriage, is lacking. Mariequitahelps show Edna a carefree spirit she is lacking. Her reactions to these characters outlineher altering emotional state throughout the book. For example, her relief at her fathersabsence shows her feelings towards being abandoned by men. This is due to attachmentdeprivation during childhood. Another example is the different references to the lady inblack and Mademoiselle Reisz, who are perhaps the same character. At the beginning ofthe story she is described as the ever present lady in black. This could show her feelingsof depression and death. When she is referred to as Mademoiselle Reisz, it is only whenEdna is in a positive state of mind. This occurs when she is being entertained byMademoiselle Reiszs musical talents, and when she is visiting her to read Roberts letters. Also, Edna feels contrasting feelings of sympathy and jealousy towards Mariequita. She issympathetic when overcome with love and joy at being is Roberts company (the sectionon the boat), and is jealous when she is not in his presence (visiting the Lebrunhousehold).Characterization helps demonstrate Ednas sharp mood swings andmanic-depressive tendencies. The reader begins to notice how her views towards certaincharacters fluctuates seemingly inexplicably. The literary technique of symbolism showsEdnas need to be free from the constraints of the life imposed upon her. She is a birdseeking independence. Her freedom symbolically comes in the form of water. ...
