The Awakening

THE AWAKENING

Throughout our lives, we all face challenges that force us to cope with everyday life and eventually change us, for the better or worse. It is in how we deal with these things that form our characters. Issues in life such as a divorce, a war, a job promotion or any little detail causes a reaction and we all react differently depending on how well adjusted we are with ourselves and our lives. Someone well adjusted, for example, would react humble and gracious yet confident at a job promotion knowing that it was well deserved and that they worked hard for this. At the same time, they would not boast or brag because this might step on some people’s toes or make their employees resentful to be working under them. In the case of a divorce or something not fortunate happening to them, they would deal with it at face value and understand what was happening and why but also try to make the best of it and look on the bright side. They could see it as a hard time and know that they could make it through. All of these instances would build character for the better and show how well adjusted an individual truly was. On the other hand, let us take a look at someone not well adjusted in these same situations. In the case of a job promotion they might feel the need to reassure themselves but brag and sound cocky to others. Then in a situation such as a divorce, they would probably come out worse off in the end. They would see this as an end all and not try harder or be optimistic about the future, in the end leaving them in a bad state and a sense of no way to get out of this slump. In the novel The Awakening, written by Kate Chopin, we see the main character Edna Pontellier face similar changes that tested her self adjustment. Throughout the novel we see how Edna adjusts, or what Chopin refers to as “awakens”.

The story begins with the Pontellier couple, Edna and Leonce at Grand Isle, a resort close to their home in New Orleans. While on their vacation, Edna often finds herself alone because of her husband’s busy work schedule. He loved her dearly but was hardly ever around for Edna. While he was gone, Edna mostly socialized with a friend Adele. Through this friendship Edna learned about being more open and taking advantage of the freedoms she had in her life. This was Chopin’s first example of Edna “awakening” to see new perspectives on her life. Soon, she found herself enjoying the company of the son of the woman whose lodge they were staying in. This man, Robert, was notoriously known for finding a woman each year, usually a married woman, and fancying her all summer. When the following summer rolled around, there was always a different woman though. During this summer Edna and Robert spend most their time together on the shores talking the usual small talk. Before either of them notices they are falling in love but neither one will talk about this. Edna begins becoming depressed at night when she is alone with just her husband and unusually happy during the days she is able to spend with Robert or now, even by herself. Once Robert comes to realize how intense their love has grown he leaves the resort. The end of the summer comes and Edna returns with her husband to New Orleans, but now she is a new, independent woman.

Back home, Edna completely ignores all of her household responsibilities that she has always carried out for her husband. Instead, all of her time is consumed with painting. Her husband, worried about her, asks a family friend, Doctor Mandelet, what he should do about her behavior. The doctor advises him to allow her to continue this and insists that it is only a stage that will pass. Telling her to stop could only spark a rebellion from Edna. Trying to stick to this advice, Leonce leaves Edna at home alone while he goes on a business trip. During this time alone, Edna realizes how happy she is and moves into a house of her own. Edna is still in love with Robert but he is unattainable at the moment and since she has now left her husband she turns to another man. Alcee Arobin is a man in town known for seducing all the woman. Edna uses him to satisfy her sexual needs and those needs only. Doing this once again gives Edna a feeling of independence. An older woman, Mademoiselle Reisz, catches Edna’s attention with her piano playing skills. Most of Edna’s time is spent with Mademoiselle Reisz at this point and they discuss Edna and Robert’s relationship. Mademoiselle Reisz encourages Edna to pursue her feelings towards him. Robert then returns to New Orleans, unable to deny his feelings for Edna. They finally admit they are in love but Robert explains that they still cannot be together because of Edna’s husband; therefore, Robert once again leaves.

Adele, Edna’s friend from the beginning of the novel, endures a very difficult childbirth. Edna rushes to her side and while being with