The+Awakening


 * Plot: **

Edna is summering with her family and the other wealthy creoles of New Orleans on Grand Isle. She spends her days swimming in the sea and conversing with Mademoiselle Reisz, Adele Ratignolle and Robert Lebrun who is almost constantly at her side attending to her needs. It is surprising to her that the Creoles discuss subjects such as childbirth without any self-restraint; this starts her awakening. Mr. Pontellier spends his days playing billiards and away on business. When he comes home to chides Edna for neglecting the children as one of them has a fever. One night, when Mademoiselle Reisz plays the piano, Edna is overcome with emotion at the passionate playing at which Reisz comments that Edna is the only one there worth playing for. During a nightly swim Robert teaches Edna how to swim, which gives her a new sense of power and independence, giving her the courage to not simply submit to her husband. Their relationship becomes increasingly serious and Robert eventually leaves for Mexico, trying to distance himself from their socially unacceptable love.

Edna is very restless upon the families return to New Orleans. She starts to neglect her social duties and takes up painting again, this angers her husband. When Edna becomes depressed over Roberts absence she begins to regularly visit the unconventional Mademoiselle Reisz. She then moves out of her husband’s house to the pigeon house and sends her children to stay with their grandparents. She also starts a flirtation with Alcée Arobin whom she met at the races; though she is nervous about being disloyal to Robert. On one visit to Mademoiselle Reisz she runs into Robert and invites him over for dinner. The two have a formal dinner but are interrupted by Alcée. She runs into Robert again later that week and they confess their love. Edna is then called to be with Adèle while she is in labor, at the end of which Adèle tells Edna to "think of the children." When Edna returns home, Robert has gone.

Edna returns to Grand Isle. She swims naked into the sea until exhaustion overtakes her and she drowns.


 * Characters: **

__Edna Pontellier__ - 28 years old. Married into the French Creole society. The protagonist who rebels against society to achieve a self-awakening. She is the mother of two little boys but neglects her motherly duties to her children, seeing them as something that holds her back in her process of self-discovery. __Mademoiselle Reisz__ - A pianist living independently in New Orleans who helps guide Edna through her self-awakening. __Adèle Ratignolle__ - The acme of feminine elegance and sophistication. Her first duty is to her family. __Robert Lebrun__ - He dotes on one married woman each summer. He falls in love with Edna but is ultimately tied by the rules of society. __Alcée Arobin__ - Edna's lover in New Orleans. __Léonce Pontellier__ - 40 years old. Edna's husband who is a wealthy businessman and materialistic. He loves his family but puts more importance on his work and social standing. __Victor Lebrun__ - Roberts brother


 * Setting: **

-Grand Isle, New Orleans (French Quarter) -Late 1800's


 * Symbols: **

-Birds - caged: restrictions on women in society; use of wings only to protect (the family), never to fly -"The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings. It is a sad spectacle to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth." -The Sea - freedom, rebirth -The city/town where she lives - control or confinement where she cannot be herself under the strain of her husband and society -Death - freedom/escape from her pain


 * Themes: **

-Solitude - as the price of independence. -Motherhood/children - Edna is often viewed as a child. She can't escape the obligation to her children. They 'cause' her suicide. -Art (piano) - playing as a form of self-expression with passion v. playing because it is expected by society -“I would give up the unessential; I would give my money, I would give my life for my children, but I wouldn’t give myself." She will not sacrifice individuality for her family. 