Wake-Up Call

What is it about Mademoiselle Reisz that's so intriguing? Why does Edna suddenly feel that desperate need to see her all of the sudden? Who would want to see Mademoiselle Reisz anyway? Everybody from the corner grocer to the elegant Mrs. Ratignolle agree she is "the most disagreeable and unpopular woman" (114) they have ever met. However, this doesn't stop Edna from looking incessantly for the little woman. After a long day of searching, she finally manages to target her house.

As it can be recalled from an earlier part of the novella, Mademoiselle Reisz is the mean old lady with a gift for the piano who made Edna cry during one of her performances. (Don't get me wrong, Reisz didn't punch Edna or laugh at her dress, as mean as anybody might think she is). This cry was provoked by the awakening feeling her music was able to stir in Edna's spirit. The effect Reisz's performance had on Edna is probably reflected on her changed attitude from this moment onward. This change, starting from her swimming accomplishment, all the way to outspoken defiance towards her husband, is steadily emerging. Even outsiders like Victor and Madame Lebrun are able to notice a change in her. Victor even comments that "she doesn't seem like the same woman" (118). Perhaps this is what has led Edna to pursue Mademoiselle Reisz. Whatever that little woman did to cause those stirring feeling within her, she wants more.

Edna's visit brought on a storm of feelings. For one part, the encounter is somewhat awkward, as the relationship between these two contrasting characters isn't clearly settled. Whether they sympathize, or not isn't really defined and Edna even admits, "I don't know whether I like you or not" (120). Then, Reisz reveals a precious treasure: a letter from Robert that mentions Edna. After a heated quarrel between them, Mademoiselle Reisz gives in to Edna's plea. She gives her the letter and even plays more music for her. The combination between a letter from her beloved and Reisz's music turns out to be explosive. She leaves, immersed in a river of tears "sobbing, just as she had wept one midnight at Grand Isle when strange, new voices awoke in her" (123), and asks to come again.

It seems that Edna is starting to recognize these feelings that have been growing inside her. The hunger she has to evoke them and nurture them is rapidly developing. Somehow, she knows that these voices, newly awakened within her, need to grow louder until she is finally able to open her eyes.