In the novel "The Awakening", Edna Pontellier struggles to reconcile her desires for independence and freedom from societal expectations with her role as a wife and mother in late nineteenth-century New Orleans. Throughout the story, she grapples with the tension between her private self and her public persona, as she finds herself drawn to Robert Lebrun, an artist who represents a new way of life that challenges the traditional roles of women in society. As Edna becomes increasingly involved in her affair with Robert, she begins to question the confines of marriage and motherhood, leading to feelings of guilt and shame. However, her decision to pursue her own happiness ultimately results in tragedy, as she is forced to choose between remaining in her public identity or abandoning it altogether. This theme of dual identities and the struggle to reconcile them is explored through Edna's character arc, making the novel a powerful commentary on the constraints placed on women at the time.
In the play "Hedda Gabler", Hedda Tesman feels stifled by her position as a married woman in nineteenth-century Norway. She longs for excitement and adventure, but is trapped in a loveless marriage to George Tesman, a man she does not respect or find attractive. In order to escape this reality, she seeks out opportunities for excitement outside of her home life, including affairs and manipulation. Her actions are driven by a desire to maintain control over her own destiny, even if it means hurting those around her. The contrast between her public persona - the dutiful wife and mother - and her private desires creates tension throughout the play, culminating in a tragic ending where Hedda takes her own life rather than continue living a lie. Ibsen's use of Hedda as a complex and conflicted character allows him to explore the inner conflict many people experience between their public and private selves.
In the poem "Desiree's Baby" by Kate Chopin, Desiree struggles with the limitations imposed upon her by society due to her mixed race heritage. As a Creole woman in antebellum Louisiana, she is subject to discrimination and prejudice based solely on the color of her skin. However, when she becomes pregnant and her child has darker skin than expected, she faces even greater scrutiny from the community. Unable to reconcile her identity as both black and white, Desiree flees with her baby, leaving behind everything she knows in search of a new life. The theme of dual identities and the struggle to reconcile them is explored through Desiree's journey, making the story a powerful commentary on the ways in which societal expectations can shape an individual's sense of self.
Through these examples, we see how characters grapple with the tension between their public personas and their private erotic selves, ultimately leading to a sense of freedom or tragedy. By exploring this theme, authors are able to create complex and nuanced characters that resonate with readers, who may identify with the struggle to balance personal desires with social expectations.