In Kate Chopin's The Awakening music and how it is perceived is representative of Edna's awakening. Music is an important symbol in the novel. In a way it foreshadows the events that take place in Edna's life. The two musicians who play for Edna, Mademoiselle Reisz and Madame Ratignolle, with their music inspire in her different emotions which later serve as catalysts in her awakening. These two women represent two different courses in life which Edna can fallow regarding her independence and self-discovery.

In the book Madam Ratignolle is the perfect example of a mother-woman. Her piano playing is not for artistic reasons; she doesn't play for art. Adele plays the piano merely for society. This is why her music is lacking emotion and is commonplace. Although it is overall good piano playing it lacks passion. It fallows the social rules and regulations of the Victorian Age and...