1. What does Edna mean when she says "I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself" (Ch. XVI)?
I think Edna is expressing herself with complete honesty here. Throughout most of the novel she is constrained by the rigidity of society, and her actions often come off as forced and almost unnatural. I think that in saying she would give her life for her children she is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for her children, but this action may not stem from her ultimate love for her children, but rather her disregard for her own life. This seems like a statement made from love, but I think it comes off as if she no longer cares for her own life. She seemingly lacks the motivation and desire to carry on. To me this seems like a cry for help confused by the commitment (or lack thereof) that she feels for her children. She approaches the possibility of dying for her children as a duty, not as an action of true love.
1. What does Edna mean when she says "I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself" (Ch. XVI)?
ReplyDeleteI think Edna is expressing herself with complete honesty here. Throughout most of the novel she is constrained by the rigidity of society, and her actions often come off as forced and almost unnatural. I think that in saying she would give her life for her children she is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for her children, but this action may not stem from her ultimate love for her children, but rather her disregard for her own life. This seems like a statement made from love, but I think it comes off as if she no longer cares for her own life. She seemingly lacks the motivation and desire to carry on. To me this seems like a cry for help confused by the commitment (or lack thereof) that she feels for her children. She approaches the possibility of dying for her children as a duty, not as an action of true love.