The Awakening Ch. 20-24

In chapters 20-24, Edna tries to find Mademoiselle Reisz. When she finally finds her, Reisz tells Edna that she has a letter from her friend Robert and that he has talked about her in it. This excites Edna and she persistently asks to see it when Reisz says no. Reisz also tells Edna that he told her to play the Impromptu by Chopin for her and Edna asks her to play it. While Reisz plays the song, Edna begins to read the letter and cries as the music stirs her emotions. In addition to informing Edna about the letter and playing for her, Reisz tells Edna what it takes to be a successful artist. She says that one needs to be courageous and needs to have a “soul that dares and defies”. This could be foreshadowing what Edna will do. She might become even more daring than what she is doing now (might go for Robert).

In addition, in this section we see how Mr. Pontellier is becoming worried about his wife’s behavior. She is no longer fitting into his desired role. He goes to a doctor and asks for advice because he does not know what to do. The doctor tells him to give her some time because she is just going through a “phase”. The two men act like the understand women, but when in reality they do not. They also feel like women should obey men and their husbands. After their talk, Mr. Pontellier asks the doctor to come to a dinner so he can observe Edna. When the doctor comes, he does notice a slight change in Edna. He notices that she is more energetic and she seems happier. It seems like he can tell there is another man in her life (Robert).