In The Awakening , author Kate Chopin critiques nineteenth century societal ideals of motherhood. Throughout the novel, protagonist Edna Pontellier strives to overcome the conformities society imposes upon her and other woman. While Chopin uses a variety of female characters in the novel, two women provide differing perspectives of the role of a mother. Edna and Madame Ratignolle’s nurturing and motherly characteristics foil each other, highlighting the influence motherhood has on Edna’s struggle to find independence
