Re: A bit of a problem.
Bridget C (jpdunn@erols.com)
Sun, 19 Jul 1998 01:55:44 -0400
J J R wrote:
>
> <<While I'm on the topic of universal, I just HAVE to get my two cents
> in. How about this for universal: a
> feeling that is basic and human, like Edna Ponteiller felt in "The
> Awakening." I really don't know how to
> explain this, but something....primordial, or a connection with nature.
> All humans are capable of feeling this,
> correct? I guess it depends which side of the fence you're on in the
> Universal discussion, but the only thing
> that every person has in common is existence, right? Hmm, I guess it is
> more clear in my head than on this
> email.>>
>
> Well, you see, that's just the problem. I don't relate to Edna at all.
> Due to gender differences? Maybe, but if we're gonna call something
> Universal then it has to relate to Everyone. Course, I know a lot of
> women who think Edna was a spoiled brat-- women who are pretty
> independent, business owners, and well educated. So even apart from
> gender differences, we have a problem identifying everyone with Edna.
>
> What you've said is that YOU can identify with Edna. No problem there.
> I think there's a lot of western women who can identify with Edna. Would
> a typical woman in Tibet even understand her struggle? If not, then
> maybe her experience is not so universal.
>
> Jim
I wasn't trying to emphasize the feminism in the novel, but when Edna
"[realized] her position in the universe as a human being...." I'm
talking about a connection with nature, something all humans could feel
(hypothetically). Remember how Edna felt when she heard Chopin, was in
the presence of a male she desired, or went swimming? I guess a farmer
or a sailor has a better chance of experiencing this than say, a person
with a desk job in a city, but aren't these instinctual emotions
somewhere inside every human?