Finding Freedom In Kate Chopin's The Awakening

The Awakening by Kate Chopin, first published in 1899, a time where women had little independence and did their daily duties were to be a perfect mother and wife, just like Edna Pontellier had to live her life with a businessman from New orleans, Leonce Pontellier. Edna discovers her own identity and acknowledges her emotional desire. During the 1800 women were expected to “ worship” their husbands , and do their job as a housewife. Many women is the 1800’s and in today’s society can relate to Edna Pontellier situation , of wanting to be free from everyone else and finding their truly freedom. In chapter 10 Edna experiences a breakthrough in her experience to swim , “to swim far out, where no woman had ever swum before.” This can symbolize her desired to leave society behind and focus more on her , as a woman who has freedom , and is willing to take the fear out of her mind by learning new things. Edna is also struggling with society because she has to paint a picture and make them visualize her title as a mother and wife of Leonce Pontellier. “ The street, the children, the fruit vender, the flowers growing there under her eyes, were all part and parcel of an alien world which had suddenly become antagonist” Edna gave up on her self. She felt the need to run away or have someone who will make her feel special and take all …show more content…
Pontellier travel a lot because of his job , so he hardly spent any time at the house. Edna met Robert Lebrun started as friendship , but later on things got serious. She felt that Robert made gave her love and compassion. Robert left to mexico because he felt that he was showing society a bad image of him and Edna. “ Do? Nothing except feel glad and happy and be alive.” Edna acknowledges the love she has for Robert , and tells Mademoisellles, a pianist, the love she has for Robert and doesn't really care if she has to wait for him to come back. She obviously got tired of dealing with her husband and only wanted to be love by