The Awakening · Character

Mademoiselle Reisz

A shabby, reclusive pianist whose Chopin sends a keen tremor down Edna's spine and who plays for no one else worth playing for.

supporting

Also known as Mademoiselle, a Mademoiselle Reisz

First appearance: IX

As a supporting figure in The Awakening, Mademoiselle Reisz is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Plays the piano with such passion that she stirs Edna's soul; she acknowledges Edna as the only one worth playing for.

In the storyIXOpen this moment free

Mademoiselle Reisz lives alone with her music, tolerated by the Grand Isle circle as an eccentricity and feared for her sharp tongue. When she plays, Edna stops seeing pictures and feels the passions themselves swaying her soul, and the old woman pats her shoulder afterward with the recognition Edna has found nowhere else. Her touch is the one that answers the voice of the sea, and she becomes the keeper of Edna's secret self.

See Mademoiselle Reisz in IX Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

14 connections

A slice of how Mademoiselle Reisz sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Social
Other

Character groups

Edna's social circle
Peripheral acquaintances
Protagonist

+9 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this scene, Edna reaches an emotional and psychological peak by openly articulating her crisis of identity—…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Edna Pontellier
friendship · positive
Mademoiselle Reisz is Edna's confidante and artistic mentor, encouraging her independence… How this plays out →
Robert Lebrun
friendship · positive
Adèle Ratignolle
social · ambivalent
Edna Pontellier
friendship · positive
Mademoiselle Reisz is Edna's confidante and artistic mentor, encouraging her independence… How this plays out →
Edna Pontellier
friendship · positive
Mademoiselle Reisz is Edna's confidante and artistic mentor, encouraging her independence… How this plays out →
Robert Lebrun
friendship · positive
Robert Lebrun
friendship · positive
Adèle Ratignolle
social · ambivalent
Adèle Ratignolle
social · ambivalent

Edna Pontellier
Mademoiselle Reisz is Edna's confidante and artistic mentor, encouraging her independence and passion for music.
Robert Lebrun
Mademoiselle Reisz acts as a confidante to Robert, knowing his feelings for Edna and teasing him about them.
Adèle Ratignolle
Adèle and Mademoiselle Reisz are polite acquaintances who represent opposing views on womanhood and motherhood.
Edna Pontellier
Mademoiselle Reisz is Edna's confidante and artistic mentor, encouraging her independence and passion for music.
Edna Pontellier
Mademoiselle Reisz is Edna's confidante and artistic mentor, encouraging her independence and passion for music.
Robert Lebrun
Mademoiselle Reisz acts as a confidante to Robert, knowing his feelings for Edna and teasing him about them.
Robert Lebrun
Mademoiselle Reisz acts as a confidante to Robert, knowing his feelings for Edna and teasing him about them.
Adèle Ratignolle
Adèle and Mademoiselle Reisz are polite acquaintances who represent opposing views on womanhood and motherhood.
Adèle Ratignolle
Adèle and Mademoiselle Reisz are polite acquaintances who represent opposing views on womanhood and motherhood.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Mademoiselle Reisz in IX

In the story

Mademoiselle Reisz appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

IX
Plays the piano with such passion that she stirs Edna's soul; she acknowledges Edna as the only one worth playing for.
XVI
Questions Edna about missing Robert; reveals Madame Lebrun's favoritism toward Victor and Robert's thrashing of Victor over Mariequita; gives Edna her city address.
XX
Sought by Edna; her address is obtained from Madame Lebrun.
XXI
Receives Edna in her attic apartment, shares Robert's letter, plays the Impromptu.
XXVI
Mademoiselle Reisz hosts Edna, plays the piano, and shares Robert's letter revealing his return.
XXVII
Referenced by Edna for her metaphor about strong wings and soaring above tradition and prejudice.
The Dinner Party
Attends the dinner, wears violets in her hair, eats well, kisses Edna's shoulder, and leaves early with Monsieur Ratignolle.
Chapter XXXIII
Absent from her apartment when Edna and Robert visit.
XXXIX
Edna imagines her mocking reaction to her actions, recalling her words about the courageous soul of an artist.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mademoiselle Reisz unlock in the free preview.

See Mademoiselle Reisz in IX