Is one truly a feminist if the only woman they care about is themselves? When Edna in the book the Awakening exerts her power as a white woman onto the female minorities, should this text still be considered empowering towards all woman? Although most readers of the Awakening have argued that Chopin’s novella is a compelling piece of feminist literature, closer examination reveals that secondary female characters of color are either sexist archetypes or nameless servants, whose struggles are overshadowed by Edna’s selfish internal dilemma, which contradicts the idea of Chopin’s magnum opus being a feminist text. Earlier in the book, Edna has a very disrespectful encounter with a young woman Mariqueta. Mariqueta is a Mexican woman who also is staying at the Grand Isle for the summer, and she is often seen flirting with Robert or his brother Victor. Edna constantly belittles Mariqeta when describing or talking about her. She first refers to Marquieta as a “girl” and also calls feet as “ugly” and brown”. She also says that Marquieta is “saucy” and “making eyes” at Robert. Edna then gets agitated when Marqueita stares back at her, asking Robert “Why does she look at me like that?” (38) Marquirta is a woman, probably a one or two years younger
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“Girl” and “boy” are terms white people often used to bettile minorities, and to exert their superiority over them. Edna also criticizes Marquieta’s appearance, staring her
“Girl” and “boy” are terms white people often used to bettile minorities, and to exert their superiority over them. Edna also criticizes Marquieta’s appearance, staring her