Veblen and Chopin

Thorstein Veblen's writing about the "Leisure Class" has a direct connection to Chopin's writing in the awakening. Veblen states, "According to the ideal scheme of life in force at that time it is the office of the men to consume what the women produce. Such consumption as falls to women is merely incidental to their work; It is a means to their continued labor, and not a consumption directed to their own comfort and fullness of life". Veblen makes a great point about the consumption by men. The men are at the receiving end of the women/housewife's work and dedication. This is the "ideal scheme of life" that is very much present and challenged in the Awakening. Edna is an outsider to the Creole traditions of New Orleans, these traditions are similar to and more concrete than Veblen's point. Edna feels like she should not have to devote all of her time and her self-being to the family. Unlike some of the other women in the book, who's lives are consumed by their families, whether voluntary or forced, Edna expresses individuality. There are several moments in the book where we see her "rebel" against the traditions, or where we see she is clearly not accepting her role in life. Like when she says she would give up everything for her children including her life, but not herself; Or when she is standing outside Lebrun's house that seemed like a prison and she was on the outside waiting to get in, which is a connection between her being on the outside of traditional societal values. Veblen points out a great truth in our societal values and Chopin, through the character Edna, shows how clear these values are in life and what it takes and how people react to someone rebelling against them. I think it is very easy to look past all of the subtle details in the book, and it is essential to pay close attention to the language Chopin uses. It is also interesting to see reactions to a female character being the existentialist or true individual.