Length: 744 words (2.7 pages)
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The Importance of Doctor Mandelet in The Awakening

 

"The Doctor was a semi-retired physician, resting, as the saying is, upon his laurels. He bore a reputation for wisdom rather than skill.. .and was much sought for in matters of consultation."(64-65) Although this description defines the role of the Doctor throughout the novel, it does not do him justice regarding the depths of his intuitive abilities. Doctor Mandelet was a healer indeed-not of the body but of the mind. In spite of being a male, he does not fit into the stereotype, and seems to understand, though not fully, the identity conflicts tormenting Edna Pontellier. In the beginning he is portrayed as the common man with hardly any comprehension of a woman's emotions. By the end, he realizes that the society in which they live is full of stereotypes and can discern the adverse effects which the demanded gender roles can incur upon less-than-complacent individuals. He perceives Edna's awakening, yet his character symbolizes an anesthetic, not a cure, for her pains of bondage.

 

When a frustrated Mr. Pontellier, Chopin's stereotypical male, visits the Doctor regarding the 'strange behaviors' of his wife, Mandelet inquires about the symptoms of this 'curious illness.' Upon being told of her recent disregard of her duties to her husband and her new ideas concerning the eternal rights of women, Mandelet already perceives that there might be another man in Mrs. Pontellier's life. During the conversation, however, he seems to keep the front of being a stereotypical male in the company of Mr. Pontellier and talks of the whimsical moods and idiosyncrasies of the female species with a hint of condescension. He candidly declares his lack of understanding of women, yet he is more knowledgeable than he admits or realizes.

 

In dining with the Pontelliers, Doctor Mandelet sees no trace of an abnormal condition in the mannerisms and countenance of his lovely hostess, Mrs. Pontellier. In fact, he notes in her a transformation for the better: "Her speech was warm and energetic. There was no repression in her glance or gesture. She reminded him of some beautiful, sleek animal waking up in the sun." (70) In this scene, the Doctor begins to see Edna's awakening; her realization of the powers of individuality. He still does not completely comprehend Edna's determination in breaking free from her set role as an obedient wife and mother. Doctor Mandelet tells the story ". . .of the waning of a woman's love, seeking strange new channels, only to return to its legitimate source after days of fierce unrest." (70) Edna, however, has her own story to tell; one which Mandelet will never fully discover.

 

The last chapters fully awaken Edna Pontellier, and partially awaken Doctor Mandelet. He finds it very cruel of Madame Ratignole to insist upon Edna's witnessing the birth of her child. He knows that Adele was trying to remind Edna of her own children and her responsibility to them. It seems that the Doctor repeats the word 'cruel' in describing Adele's actions because he knows that Edna is already torn between her bondage to her family and her impending freedom: "The trouble is.. .that youth is given up to illusions. It seems to be a provision of Nature; a decoy to secure mothers for the race. And Nature

 takes no account of moral consequences, of arbitrary conditions which we create, and which we feel obliged to maintain at any cost."(111) Deep inside, the insightful man does not want to see the destruction of Edna's spirit and watch it smothered by her surroundings. He believes she belongs somewhere else; she belongs in a society where gender builds no barriers.

 

Doctor Mandelet seems to fear that he will not see Mrs. Pontellier again, and he insists that she come and see him soon. He wants to help her in some way and feels that she is in some sort of trouble: "I know I would understand, and I tell you there are not many who would-not many, my dear." (112) He claims that their talking will do them both good and is basically admitting that he has still much to learn about women-a subject in which Edna can aid him. In this manner, the kind Doctor tries to alleviate some of Edna's mental conflict, but it is not enough. Edna can only find peace in the sea where she swims to her final liberation; the liberation which only death can bring her.