No, you don’t have to write this down.

The Manipulation of Language (a closer look at The Awakening)

Diction “She was rather handsome than beautiful. Her face was captivating by reason of a certain frankness of expression and a contradictory subtle play of features. Her manner was engaging.” (II, para. 2)

“handsome” Denotation: impressive appearance What are the connotations of “handsome”? What does is mean to be a “handsome” woman? What does it mean to be a “handsome” man?

“beautiful” Denotation: aesthetically pleasing What are the connotations of “beautiful”? What does is mean to be a “beautiful” woman? What does it mean to be a “beautiful” man?

“handsome” (Edna) both“beautiful” (Adele) denotation: impressive appearance usually refers to furniture men/masculine means less than “feminine” adjectives when referring to men connotations for women: strong features, broad shoulders, no frills, more mature, athletic connotations for men (by men): attractive (“good- lookin brotha”), reflective of / associated with beautiful, not feminine appearance is pleasing in some way – carriage/per sonality pleasing denotation: aesthetically pleasing usually refers to flowers women/feminine top of “feminine” beauty connotations for women: soft features, graceful, fair complexion, light hair, long, voluptuous/sumptuous, aware of physicality, carriage, delicate, refined connotations for men (by men): look feminine, Prince [the artist], sexual orientation

Diction and imagery “She was rather handsome than beautiful. Her face was captivating by reason of a certain frankness of expression and a contradictory subtle play of features. Her manner was engaging.” (II, para. 2) What is suggested by these images and the use of the word “contradictory”?

Put it all together… Chopin makes the distinction between “handsome” and “beautiful” here. Both words suggest that Edna is not unattractive, though they suggest being “engaging” for different reasons. She is not the double-take girl. She is attractive precisely because she is not. She is approachable – her features lead you to feel approached by her, welcomed. Her features are “contradictory” to her “expression,” which could be interpreted in two ways: she has a playful personality that belies her frankness of appearance, or she has playful features that belie her “expression” of personality.

Now you: If you need more examples, review the handout. In pairs, identify quotations of significance from the book so far. Discuss and interpret them; make notes in your text. Choose two to write full paragraphs about.