Betty Vs. Betty In The Awakening

In Kate Chopin’s, The Awakening, the novel highlights Edna’s awakening as she defies the expectations and standards that are held over most women within their Victorian society in the late 1800s. In Mike Newell’s, Mona Lisa Smile, the film introduces an engaged student as Wellesley College named Betty, who’s feels as if her purpose is to be the perfect housewife and future mother. Based on the content within the film and the novel, Chopin’s novel is highly effective. Through protagonist analysis the reader can indicate that both Betty and Edna have different motivations and conflicts, but have a similar resolution. Throughout the novel, The Awakening, and the film, Mona Lisa Smile, a difference can be seen amongst Edna Pontellier and Betty …show more content…
During Edna’s awakening, Edna refuses to be subjected to the “rules” and is reprimanded by those she once presented herself with, putting her in a state of turmoil. Adele harshly states to Edna, “In a way you seem to me like a child, Edna. You seem to act like a certain amount of reflection which is necessary in this life” (160). This appeals to the audience because it illustrates Edna’s battle with society as she becomes indifferent towards her children and her husband. In contrast to Edna, Betty becomes in a state of distress as her husband lacks the obligation of being the perfect husband. Within the film, he is constantly going to meetings and fails to communicate with Betty, yet he does not fail to express his feelings for another women as he partakes in an affair (Newell). This conflict particularly communicates to women similar to Betty that finding a partner to start a new life may seem mandatory, however, it does not exclude them from the struggle of being in a passionless or helpless marriage. This leads to women such as Betty and even Edna, as they decide whether they want to continue with life and endure their marriage or go against it and be frowned upon by society and come to harsh