In "The Kiss," Kate Chopin explores themes of love, deception, and societal expectations. How do the characters' actions and decisions reflect their personal desires (what they want) versus societal norms (what society expects them to do)?What does "The Raven" say about personal desires and societal norms?

Question

THE KISS
by Kate Chopin
It was still quite light out of doors, but inside with the curtains drawn and the smoldering fire sending out a dim, uncertain glow, the room was full of deep shadows.
Brantain sat in one of these shadows; it had overtaken him and he did not mind. The obscurity lent him courage to keep his eyes fastened as ardently as he liked upon the girl who sat in the firelight.
She was very handsome, with a certain fine, rich coloring that belongs to the healthy brune type. She was quite composed, as she idly stroked the satiny coat of the cat that lay curled in her lap, and she occasionally sent a slow glance into the shadow where her companion sat. They were talking low, of indifferent things which plainly were not the things that occupied their thoughts. She knew that he loved her—a frank, blustering fellow without guile enough to conceal his feelings, and no desire to do so. For two weeks past he had sought her society eagerly and persistently. She was confidently waiting for him to declare himself and she meant to accept him. The rather insignificant and unattractive Brantain was enormously rich; and she liked and required the entourage which wealth could give her.
During one of the pauses between their talk of the last tea and the next reception the door opened and a young man entered whom Brantain knew quite well. The girl turned her face toward him. A stride or two brought him to her side, and bending over her chair—before she could suspect his intention, for she did not realize that he had not seen her visitor—he pressed an ardent, lingering kiss upon her lips.
Brantain slowly arose; so did the girl arise, but quickly, and the newcomer stood between them, a little amusement and some defiance struggling with the confusion in his face.
“I believe,” stammered Brantain, “I see that I have stayed too long. I—I had no idea—that is, I must wish you good-by.” He was clutching his hat with both hands, and probably did not perceive that she was extending her hand to him, her presence of mind had not completely deserted her; but she could not have trusted herself to speak.
“Hang me if I saw him sitting there, Nattie! I know it’s deuced awkward for you. But I hope you’ll forgive me this once—this very first break. Why, what’s the matter?”
“Don’t touch me; don’t come near me,” she returned angrily. “What do you mean by entering the house without ringing?”
“I came in with your brother, as I often do,” he answered coldly, in self-justification. “We came in the side way. He went upstairs and I came in here hoping to find you. The explanation is simple enough and ought to satisfy you that the misadventure was unavoidable. But do say that you forgive me, Nathalie,” he entreated, softening.
“Forgive you! You don’t know what you are talking about. Let me pass. It depends upon—a good deal whether I ever forgive you.”
At that next reception which she and Brantain had been talking about she approached the young man with a delicious frankness of manner when she saw him there.
“Will you let me speak to you a moment or two, Mr. Brantain?” she asked with an engaging but perturbed smile. He seemed extremely unhappy; but when she took his arm and walked away with him, seeking a retired corner, a ray of hope mingled with the almost comical misery of his expression. She was apparently very outspoken.
“Perhaps I should not have sought this interview, Mr. Brantain; but—but, oh, I have been very uncomfortable, almost miserable since that little encounter the other afternoon. When I thought how you might have misinterpreted it, and believed things”—hope was plainly gaining the ascendancy over misery in Brantain’s round, guileless face—“Of course, I know it is nothing to you, but for my own sake I do want you to understand that Mr. Harvy is an intimate friend of long standing. Why, we have always been like cousins—like brother and sister, I may say. He is my brother’s most intimate associate and often fancies that he is entitled to the same privileges as the family. Oh, I know it is absurd, uncalled for, to tell you this; undignified even,” she was almost weeping, “but it makes so much difference to me what you think of—of me.” Her voice had grown very low and agitated. The misery had all disappeared from Brantain’s face.
“Then you do really care what I think, Miss Nathalie? May I call you Miss Nathalie?” They turned into a long, dim corridor that was lined on either side with tall, graceful plants. They walked slowly to the very end of it. When they turned to retrace their steps Brantain’s face was radiant and hers was triumphant.
Harvy was among the guests at the wedding; and he sought her out in a rare moment when she stood alone.
“Your husband,” he said, smiling, “has sent me over to kiss you.”
A quick blush suffused her face and round polished throat. “I suppose it’s natural for a man to feel and act generously on an occasion of this kind. He tells me he doesn’t want his marriage to interrupt wholly that pleasant intimacy which has existed between you and me. I don’t know what you’ve been telling him,” with an insolent smile, “but he has sent me here to kiss you.”
She felt like a chess player who, by the clever handling of his pieces, sees the game taking the course intended. Her eyes were bright and tender with a smile as they glanced up into his; and her lips looked hungry for the kiss which they invited.
“But, you know,” he went on quietly, “I didn’t tell him so, it would have seemed ungrateful, but I can tell you. I’ve stopped kissing women; it’s dangerous.”
Well, she had Brantain and his million left. A person can’t have everything in this world; and it was a little unreasonable of her to expect it.

Answer 1

In Kate Chopin's "The Kiss," the characters' actions and decisions create a complex interplay between personal desires and societal norms. Nathalie’s relationship with her suitors, Brantain and Harvy, illustrates the conflict between her yearning for genuine emotional connections and the societal expectations surrounding wealth and marriage.

Personal Desires vs. Societal Norms

Nathalie's Desires: Nathalie's behavior reveals her personal desire for both emotional connection and the material comforts that wealth can provide. Initially, she appears to be waiting for Brantain to declare his feelings, suggesting an acceptance of the traditional courtship process. However, it is evident that her affection is tied to Brantain's immense wealth, which she covets: “she liked and required the entourage which wealth could give her.”

When Harvy enters the scene and kisses her, it disrupts this carefully constructed expectation of behavior. Nathalie reacts with anger, not just due to the interruption but because the kiss from Harvy threatens her desire for a specific image of her social relationships. The kiss symbolizes her internal struggle between the allure of a passionate, possibly romantic relationship (which Harvy represents) and the stability and security offered by Brantain.

Brantain's Role: Brantain, on the other hand, embodies the man's role within societal expectations—earnest, if somewhat unable to discern the complexities of human relationships. His immediate retreat after witnessing Harvy kiss Nathalie showcases his vulnerability and adherence to the norms of gentlemanly behavior. His actions are heavily influenced by societal expectations; he assumes his position as a rejected suitor who does not fully understand the entangled dynamics of Nathalie’s affections.

Nathalie’s later conversation with Brantain further reveals her conflicting desires. While speaking with him, she seeks to reassure him of her feelings even as she manipulates the situation to her advantage. The moment shows her navigating societal expectations, where she must appear as a demure and respectable woman while engaging in flirtatious banter that showcases her power over Brantain.

Societal Norms:

The conclusion of the story underscores how societal norms shape personal desires. Nathalie’s marriage to Brantain, motivated by his wealth, reflects the societal expectation that women should secure their futures through advantageous marriages. However, her earlier attraction to Harvy hints at a deeper, though potentially dangerous, desire for authentic passion—something society does not encourage or allow.

"The Raven" and Similar Themes

In contrast to Chopin’s "The Kiss," Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" also addresses the conflict between personal desires and societal norms but through a lens of grief and longing. The narrator's intense desire to reconnect with lost love manifests in his obsession with the raven, a symbol of never-ending sorrow and the hopelessness of desire.

The behavior observed in "The Raven" illustrates the narrator's struggle against societal norms of emotional restraint. Instead of conforming to societal expectations of mourning, he openly engages with his grief and loss, speaking to the raven as though it were a companion rather than confronting the reality of his world—a reflection of mourning deeply rooted in societal perceptions (where grief must be navigated within set parameters).

Conclusion: Both Chopin’s "The Kiss" and Poe’s "The Raven" illustrate how personal desires often clash with societal norms. Nathalie’s manipulation of her relationships highlights the precarious dance between wanting love, intimacy, and financial security while adhering to the expectations of her society. Similarly, the narrator of "The Raven" reveals a yearning for what is lost, challenging the norms surrounding grief. In both cases, the characters’ internal desires resonate against the backdrop of societal pressures, illuminating the complexities of human emotion and the impact of societal constructs on personal motivations.

Answer 2

Make it 1 paragraph long

Answer 3

In Kate Chopin's "The Kiss," the characters navigate the complex interplay between personal desires and societal expectations, particularly through Nathalie's relationships with Brantain and Harvy. Nathalie’s desire for emotional connection alongside material security drives her to accept Brantain's wealth while secretly longing for the passion Harvy represents, showcasing her struggle to balance genuine affection with societal norms that dictate advantageous marriages. Brantain embodies the traditional, earnest suitor, illustrating how societal expectations define his behavior, particularly when he retreats in confusion after witnessing Nathalie's kiss with Harvy. Similarly, Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" explores the theme of longing against societal norms through a narrator who confronts his grief openly, resisting the expected restraint in mourning. Ultimately, both works depict characters grappling with the tension between their innermost desires and the constraints imposed by society, highlighting the intricate dynamics of human emotion within societal frameworks.

Answer 4

Do you think Nathalie's choices are justified given her circumstances? Why or why not?

Answer 5

Nathalie's choices in "The Kiss" can be seen as both justified and problematic, depending on the perspective one takes regarding her circumstances. On one hand, her desire for security and social status through marriage to Brantain, a wealthy suitor, reflects a pragmatic approach to the societal norms of her time, where women often had limited autonomy and financial independence. In an era when financial stability was often synonymous with security and social standing, Nathalie's decision to pursue Brantain for his wealth appears to be a rational choice for ensuring her future.

However, her manipulative behavior, particularly in her interactions with Harvy and Brantain, raises ethical questions about the authenticity of her affections. She seems to play both suitors against one another, leveraging her charm to secure her position while ultimately prioritizing her self-interest over genuine emotional connections. This duality complicates the justification of her actions; while her pursuit of stability can be understood, her willingness to deceive those involved reflects a lack of integrity and emotional maturity.

Ultimately, whether Nathalie's choices are justified depends on one's view of morality within her societal context. While her actions may be seen as a survival tactic in a restrictive environment, they also reveal a deeper moral ambiguity that highlights the tension between personal desire and ethical considerations in human relationships.