There are multiple definitions to having an “awakening.” In Webster’s dictionary the definition states, “coming into existence or awareness.” In a metaphorical sense, an awakening could be whatever the person makes it. In the case of Edna Pontellier, she is awakened by the romance of a man other than her husband. This romance, also understood as her true happiness, costs her the marriage she has built over the years, but helped her gain strength as a woman. The focus has been placed on Edna’s struggle to reconcile her unorthodox views of her life.
The novel, “The Awakening,” is set in New Orleans.. Edna goes from a quiet and reserved lady, to an out-spoken strong-willed woman. Aside from Edna’s dramatic loss of children and husband, one thing …show more content…
Due to her poor judgment, and character, her actions became inconsistent. For example she said, “Yes, the years that are gone seem like dreams if one might go on sleeping and dreaming, but to wake up and find, oh well perhaps it is better to be awake after all”. Here it seems she welcomed her “awakening” with open arms and enjoyment. She enjoyed it so much she went to the beach with Robert although she should not have gone . Much like anything in life there were setbacks in an “awakening”. Edna’s close friends and family were deeply hurt by her so called independence and her selfish behavior. Since Edna let her feelings for Robert overwhelm her, she discovered her passion, but at the same time she discovered pain and loss. Edna lost her children and husband due to her infidelities . Not only did her infidelities cost her the relationship with her husband, it cost her the chance of experiencing true love with Robert. Throughout the novel Edna’s main goal was happiness and peace. Unfortunately, she found peace within herself after committing suicide at the place Robert taught her how to swim . Edna made the decision to take her life at the end of the novel because she felt very vulnerable and hopeless. She reached the point where she did not think or care. She thought if nothing changed for the better, she could not continue living in a depression forever. Her love for Robert became an obsession and she came to a point
The novel, “The Awakening,” is set in New Orleans.. Edna goes from a quiet and reserved lady, to an out-spoken strong-willed woman. Aside from Edna’s dramatic loss of children and husband, one thing …show more content…
Due to her poor judgment, and character, her actions became inconsistent. For example she said, “Yes, the years that are gone seem like dreams if one might go on sleeping and dreaming, but to wake up and find, oh well perhaps it is better to be awake after all”. Here it seems she welcomed her “awakening” with open arms and enjoyment. She enjoyed it so much she went to the beach with Robert although she should not have gone . Much like anything in life there were setbacks in an “awakening”. Edna’s close friends and family were deeply hurt by her so called independence and her selfish behavior. Since Edna let her feelings for Robert overwhelm her, she discovered her passion, but at the same time she discovered pain and loss. Edna lost her children and husband due to her infidelities . Not only did her infidelities cost her the relationship with her husband, it cost her the chance of experiencing true love with Robert. Throughout the novel Edna’s main goal was happiness and peace. Unfortunately, she found peace within herself after committing suicide at the place Robert taught her how to swim . Edna made the decision to take her life at the end of the novel because she felt very vulnerable and hopeless. She reached the point where she did not think or care. She thought if nothing changed for the better, she could not continue living in a depression forever. Her love for Robert became an obsession and she came to a point