The Awakening Essay - 728 Words

The novel The Awakening by Kate Chopin takes place in the early 1920s on the Grand Isles of Louisiana. The Grand Isles is a resort for the wealthy. The theme of this novel is about a woman named Edna who awakens to a new life as she discovers her independence. In the novel Edna also awakens to her love for Robert Leburn and most importantly she awakens to the knowledge that her husband is not in control of her life. Edna and Mr. Pontelliers relationship begins to get worse after he leaves for his business trip to New York. There are two stages of Edna and Mr. Pontelliers relationship, one of which is before Mr. Pontelliers trip to New York and the other is after he leaves. During the 1920s it was expected of the women to†¦show more content†¦In addition, later in the novel Mr. Pontellier finds Edna lying in a hammock outside. Because Mr. Pontellier is ready for bed he assumes that Edna should follow. Another time she would have gone in at his request. She would, through habit, have yielded to his desire (30). This time is different, Edna will remain outside until she is ready for bed. After arguing continuously, Mr. Pontellier becomes demanding, This is more than folly, I cant permit you to stay out there all night. You must come in the house instantly (31). Though Edna was astonished by her husbands tone, she still persisted to his demands and remained outside until she is ready. With the examples given, it is clear that Edna and Mr. Pontellier did not have what is considered a normal marriage during this time period. The continuing disagreements further Ednas depression and need for independence. In addition to the existing challenges, E dna has fallen in love with a man by the name of Robert Lebrun. Ednas feelings for Robert also contribute to her desire to leave her husband. Both Edna and Mr. Pontellier contribute to the destruction of their marriage. Mr. Pontelliers demands and Ednas selfish needs are the major contributions to their struggling relationship. All aspects of this marriage contribute to Ednas self destruction. Upon Mr. Pontelliers leaving for New York, Edna began to feel what it is like to be independent. Ednas overwhelming feeling of sudden independence isShow MoreRelatedThe Awakening on Kate Chopins The Awakening1745 Words   |  7 Pages The time period of the 1880s that Kate Chopin lived in influenced her to write The Awakening, a very controversial book because of many new depictions of women introduced in the book. The Awakening is a book about a woman, Edna Pontellier. In the beginning, she is a happy woman with her husband and 2 kids vacationing at Grand Isle. While there, Edna realizes she is in love with Robert Lebrun and that she was just forced into an unloving/dissatisfying marriage with Mr. Pontellier. 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