The Role Of Food In The Awakening

Edna Pontellier has a domestic life that is typical for wealthy New Orleans families. Her roles as mother and housewife are typical of Victorian society’s expectations. Edna is driven by her desire to be independent and self-possessed, despite her unhappy marriage. Edna is driven by passion, lust and her new identity. This leads to her decision to challenge the norms of her age. Reading Edna’s story through symbols will lead you to discover its deeper meaning. Chopin makes food a prominent symbol. It is Edna’s transformation from a submissive mother and housewife to becoming self-sufficient.

Chopin uses food to build acts Edna feels obligated. When Mr. Pontellier goes on business in New Orleans, he sends his spouse a basket with syrups, wine bottles and bon-bons. While he’s in Grand Isle, he also sends Mrs. Pontellier a basket filled with fresh fruits, pates, sweets, and other goodies. Edna’s lady friends comment on the wonderful husband Pontellier, exclaiming that they are “the best husbands in the world”(7). Edna feels the need to agree to her friends that Mr. Pontellier is above the average man for his “thoughtfulness” in gift-giving. Edna uses food as a way to express her resentment towards the present she gets. Edna views the bon-bons or syrups as reminders that her stereotypical submissive femininity is reinforced by her willingness to accept her husbands gift of “unique” and to cater to his every desire in return. The Pontellier’s masculine and obtuse personality is also illustrated through food. Edna’s husband has certain traits that make her subservient until she is able to resist his domineering tendencies. Edna declares in authority that she prefers to be outside to spend the night with Mr. Pontellier. He then pours himself some wine to soothe his wife and to forget her rejection. She rejects him offering her a glass, even though he is trying to make amends. It is clear that Pontellier still enjoys drinking wine and smoking cigars, which reflects his need to feel dominant, masculine, and in control. Edna’s refusal of her husband to apologize represents her anger at his emotional negligence, and her move towards an independent lifestyle.

Similar to Mr. Pontellier’s symbolically “masculine” wines, food is used by Edna to signify his control issues. Edna’s transition to an “insubordinate” lifestyle is illustrated by her decision not to entertain her husband but instead go out for lunch. Mr. Pontellier, who is not satisfied with his dinner, complains incessantly about Edna’s irresponsible (50-52). Edna is fed up by her husband’s discontentment with his meal and his wife. Edna would be too upset to finish her dinner had Mr. Pontellier not left his wife. Edna this time decides to stay with him and finish the meal. This meal signifies Edna’s growing willingness not to listen to her husband but instead pursue her own wants.

Edna develops a sense of liberation as she becomes more comfortable with eating alone. In previous chapters, she was angry about the idea that she would eat alone and annoyed by her husband’s disregard for her. Edna tells her cooks that she won’t need as much food as usual because she is the one at home. However, soon she starts to enjoy eating alone, which underscores the importance food plays in The Awakening. Meals are Edna’s symbolic escape from the domestic duties (72). Chopin praises Mrs. Pontellier by describing her private meals as “luscious tenderloin braised a point” (73), and the luxurious flavor of the wine. Edna now enjoys dining alone and is more accepting of it. This is a sign of her character’s obvious change. Edna finds herself becoming more comfortable with her food and herself as her story unfolds. Raoul sends her a note one morning. She tells her that she wants her breakfast to be half-dressed (104) and she does this because she is no longer living with her husband, children, or servants. Mrs. Pontellier’s laid-back, new attitude gives her self-assurance as well as confidence to be the woman she dreams to be.

Edna’s dinner at the Highcamps and Arobin after the races appears to have brought back her submissive past. Edna feels like she has to engage in conversation even though it is dull. When she gets home she realizes that the Highcamps’ portions were too small (75), so she orders gruyere cheese with crackers and a glass of beer to fill her stomach (75). Although she doesn’t do this to defy any particular person, it is an explicit defiance of cultural norms. Drinking beer was considered a highly inappropriate behavior for women at the time. Edna realizes that beer is often associated with masculinity and feels empowered. She can now grant her husband the same freedoms she enjoys.

Edna consumes alcohol in Mademoiselle Reisz’s home one more time. When she is offered some brandy, she decides to drink it as a male would (79). This is an example that recalls Edna’s drinking of beer earlier in her story. It also reinforces the symbolic power of alcohol. Edna’s willingness again to drink beer or brandy, suggests that she desires to be a free woman.

Edna continues to self-discover when she meets a garden near New Orleans. She finds peace, quiet, and privacy, away from the daily stresses of her day. Mrs. Pontellier says that no one can make such great coffee or fry chicken so perfectly as she, the owner of the small garden store. Edna visits the small store twice a weeks to eat dinner alone (105). Mrs. Pontellier is driven to eat alone and break all social norms. Robert unexpectedly visits Edna’s private place. She offers to share her dinner with him. It almost feels like she’s letting Robert have her food. She is uncomfortable in his presence and has an overwhelming desire for him to be happy. This scene reminds Edna of her earlier desire to please husband in line with society expectations. Edna worries about Robert’s feelings as they discuss his recent separation. She apologizes to Robert for raising such personal topics and takes responsibility for Robert’s refusal (105). She believes Robert’s inability or unwillingness to eat means she has upset him. She immediately changes the topic to protect him. Edna uses food as a symbol for Robert’s inability or willingness to eat.

Chopin’s detailed descriptions and explanations of meals and meal times represent Edna’s transformation as a housewife and mother to a free-thinking, strong woman. Edna’s struggle to free herself from oppressive social norms is reflected in her attitude toward food. Although it may seem like The Awakening overlooks the importance and value of food, a more thorough analysis shows that Edna’s personal revolution has been aided by her attitude toward this integral part of domesticity.