Creative Writing: The Awakening

“Some people say I was lucky to survive, other will say I deserved it for the choice I made. I’m here to say I was lucky, it’s never ok to say your life isn’t worth living even at your worst you can always look forward tomorrow will come and if you put your mind to it you’ll see that anything is possible.” – Stephen McGregor Professional Paralympian

“After defeating the Cyclops Polyphemus, my men grew exhausted. They grew thirsty from rowing under the beating hot sun. Sweat dripped down their heads and the ship’s deck grew moist from the mix of the salty, seawater and sweat. We stopped by on a nearby island.

But alone Edna is prey to suicidal thoughts, the voices which distort the victim's choices and exaggerate her plight. Edna's idea in her last moments that her children are "antagonists" whom she must "elude" is patently irrational behavior, for her progeny have given her little trouble and seem her happiest links to life. But for her at this moment they represent the powers arrayed against her. (Franklin 526)

As a result, Edna holding on to her individuality in the midst of suffering all the way to her death invokes a sense of pity from the readers and that society is oblivious to Edna’s

Edna and her husband, Léonce, have a marriage that lacks affection and adventure. Edna personality is much different than what was expected of the typical New Orleans woman of that time. She is more independent, outgoing, and bold than the women of her time, which is something that Léonce does not necessarily see as acceptable for his wife. He expects Edna to partake in the “normal” practices of New Orleans women of the time, despite Edna’s countless expressions of distaste. Her marriage to her husband is lifeless and loveless and in many ways what is lacking in her marriage to Léonce is one of the main reasons Edna begins her awakening. Her lackluster marriage begins her search for something more fulfilling, something that will allow her to express her true self, her true desires, in a way that she has not been able to before. Edna sees her marriage to her husband as a sort of end her her life of youthful passion and a beginning to a more mature life of responsibility.

The story beings with Edna Pontieller, her husband Léonce, and their two children vacationing in Grand Isle, which is an island near New Orleans. The family vacationed in a home run by Madame Leburn, who has two sons. In the beginning it is apparent that Edna and Léonce’s marriage is very traditional, in which Edna does all the cooking, cleaning and taking care of their children. Edna doesn’t like that she has to do this and Leonce is frustrated with Edna’s performance as a mother and a wife. Leonce is often absent because of work, so Edna spends her time with a woman named Adèle Ratignolle. While Edna is hanging out with Adele is when a change in Edna is first obvious because she opens up her mind to expressing herself. Leonce has to leave

“I don’t want us to stop seeing one another,” I whispered. “I need you, Boudreaux.” and I did need him. It was as much my fault as his that we had become lovers, and no matter what, I did not want that to change. I loved Louis, but I also loved Boudreaux; I knew that. Setting there touching him… his scent surrounding me, I wanted him badly. I was glad I remembered to bring the jar Marie had given me- for if my calculations were correct, I would need it to prevent pregnancy.

Good. I touch the icon and drag it. Oh, it’s following my finger’s movement. Alright, let’s see… I drag it to the slot that indicates my right hand. Immediately, the bokutõ shows up on my hand with a quick white light.

Vana looked out the window incredulously. It was an odd experience, one of complete and utter blackness. There were, however, spots of light that she didn’t immediately realize were stars. It felt wrong; they didn’t twinkle. She felt a sense of security but also a little shaky discerning that. She’d always been skeptical about anything theological, but now that she’d seen more of the world than she’d ever seen before, she almost believed in an omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent god. She was all but paralyzed with awe.

I lurch towards the water’s edge, pitch it high into the air and watch it twist and turn until it splashes into the waves. Far out, where only sea and sky exist, breakers lift their foamy heads, rear up in anger, and rush towards me. I lie down on the sand and close my eyes. Let them take me; let them drag me out into the emptiness, toss me about, spin me around and cast me down.

The mansion that Edna lives in may seem so perfect on the outside, but on the inside it’s completely different. Because Edna is affluent she is a prestigious woman within her social class. But in her house she felt like a prisoner. All the things that she did not want to do; taking care of her kids, she felt obligated to do so. Her husband Lèonce treated her like a materialistic objects ,which Edna was not greatly fond with. The decisions were out of reach, she needed to be this perfect wife like Madame Ratignolle. Expressing that she wasn't not happy she did

They stop on the threshold of the farm's large kitchen, haggard and breathless. Violette's arms are trembling from the effort of carrying the child. Maman Echailh, a big wooden spoon up in the air, watches the intruding girls in stupefaction. All at once, Mado and her friends spill their horrific discovery. Nanny soon has taken the situation in hand and dispatched a lad to the café du coin, the nearest house with a telephone. Time to eat supper, when the sky changes color from vivid blue, to a dull pinkish slate gray, marking the approaching dusk. Neither Dédé, Mado, Violette or Jeanne are the least hungry, despite the heavy garlic aroma of the potato and ground meat au gratin, invading the room. They were seated on the bench against the wall, outside the front door, when the gendarmes came to report the incident. They heard enough. They know the little girl. They recognized her dress at once. The pretty white one, with blue stripes, that Dominique wears on Thursdays because after school is over, she goes to visit her auntie. And for her, it is a special day of goodies, with luscious cakes and lemonade and a little trinket or two that her loving aunt will have

Fleurettte had been sitting on one of the many staircases Elswood had to offer. It was a casual day for her, with no excitement, nor nothing to peak her interest. And like many things Fleur hated, it was the feeling of dullness or living dull. If she didn’t have a single ounce of anticipation in her life, it wasn’t as if she was living her life to the fullest. That was until of course, someone had caught her eye. A familiar face appeared in the hallway and she swore she had seen in one of her classes before. His name started with a L or M, but she couldn’t remember. Or care to remember frankly. The boy had never peaked her interest, or maybe he would just for today.

“Anne, please!” Margot whispered, gently tugging on my arm. I dropped my diary down onto the floor and was immediately met to be escorted slowly down the stairs with the Van Daans, Dussel, and my own family. The workmen stared at us in surprise and confusion on the ransacked second floor. The sounds of angry German competed with the police’s sirens from outside.

Skye opened her eyes after what she had thought would just be a little cat nap. But nope, she found herself in a rather small room. "This must be the servants quarters," She mumbled to herself, with the following yawn. "They could have awoken me," She added with a sigh. "But then again, maybe they were afraid after that lecture I had given," She concluded, stepping out of bed. Her head then glancing over towards the door, where she had heard a gentle knock. "I apologize to disturb you; however, are you awake, Skye?" Sebastian asked gently. "I am, you may enter," She responded, grabbing a hairbrush that was conveniently placed on the small nightstand next to her. Sebastian entered the room, carrying a black & white maid uniform. "This will be your attire while working here at the estate. Also, a tailor will be by later this afternoon to take measurements for your off-duty tasks." He announced, gently lying down the uniform onto the bed.