Kate Chopin’s novel, “The awakening” tells the story of a married woman named Edna Pontellier, how she comes to know herself more fully through her search for independence. In the novel, Robert Lebrun becomes a requisite because he catalyzes Edna’s awakening and he has a romantic and realistic image that is not supported by his actions or behavior, switching between perspectives and is frivolous, helping the reader understand the late nineteenth century.
Our first impression of Robert is a handsome, charming twenty-six-year-old with yellowish hair, quick bright eyes, and a “clean shaven face” (Chopin 12) that contains “no shadow of care upon his open countenance” (Chopin 8). Since the age of fifteen, Robert had “constituted himself the devoted …show more content…
Pontellier, providing a contrast to her relationship with her husband; Leonce Pontellier, and a foundation for a much deeper relationship between her and Robert. Robert prompts her through a series of epiphanies or so-called awakenings where she starts to see herself as human being and struggles between being the woman the society wants her to be, and the independent, self-governing woman she craves. We see that during Edna's first awakening, Leonce does not really pay attention to her and Edna is frustrated when “she made no mention of her encounter with death and her flash of terror except to say to her husband ‘I thought I should have perished out there’ [and he responded] “you were not so far, my dear; I was watching you” (Chopin 31). Robert's response to her is more caring and considerate when she asks him “‘Did you think I was afraid?’[,] without a shade of annoyance. ‘No, I knew you weren't afraid’”(Chopin 32). Robert' roles are significant in her awakenings because unlike her husband, he is there for Edna and accompanies her on her path to self-discovery. We see such a possibility when what starts as an innocent friendship develops into a love affair and “no multitude of words could be more significant than when [they felt] the first felt throbbing of desire” (Chopin 33) between them. Their love is, however, forbidden because of the difference in social convention placed upon men and …show more content…
Good-by-because I love you” (Chopin 121). The message holds his feelings for her and the reasons why he cannot act upon them. When he says goodbye to her for good, his devastating farewell sends Edna into the final stages of her awakening; with her newfound self-expression and independence at her side as she gives herself to the sea, committing suicide.
Reflecting on the storyline, we can see the significance of Robert Lebrun. The way he tried to manage his desire and love for Edna helped to develop both of them, despite his frivolousness, immature tendencies, and doubtful attitude. Through the analysis of Robert, we learn of his morals and attempts to stay practical, even with his love for Edna. It leads one to question if Edna would have found her independence if Robert did not love her the way he did. We can see in The Awakening that Robert (the societal gentleman) helps Edna reach her final stages of reality by loving her and letting her be herself.
Beer, Janet, and Elizabeth Nolan, eds. Kate Chopin's The Awakening: A Sourcebook. London: Routledge, 2004. Questia School. Web. 3 Nov.
Our first impression of Robert is a handsome, charming twenty-six-year-old with yellowish hair, quick bright eyes, and a “clean shaven face” (Chopin 12) that contains “no shadow of care upon his open countenance” (Chopin 8). Since the age of fifteen, Robert had “constituted himself the devoted …show more content…
Pontellier, providing a contrast to her relationship with her husband; Leonce Pontellier, and a foundation for a much deeper relationship between her and Robert. Robert prompts her through a series of epiphanies or so-called awakenings where she starts to see herself as human being and struggles between being the woman the society wants her to be, and the independent, self-governing woman she craves. We see that during Edna's first awakening, Leonce does not really pay attention to her and Edna is frustrated when “she made no mention of her encounter with death and her flash of terror except to say to her husband ‘I thought I should have perished out there’ [and he responded] “you were not so far, my dear; I was watching you” (Chopin 31). Robert's response to her is more caring and considerate when she asks him “‘Did you think I was afraid?’[,] without a shade of annoyance. ‘No, I knew you weren't afraid’”(Chopin 32). Robert' roles are significant in her awakenings because unlike her husband, he is there for Edna and accompanies her on her path to self-discovery. We see such a possibility when what starts as an innocent friendship develops into a love affair and “no multitude of words could be more significant than when [they felt] the first felt throbbing of desire” (Chopin 33) between them. Their love is, however, forbidden because of the difference in social convention placed upon men and …show more content…
Good-by-because I love you” (Chopin 121). The message holds his feelings for her and the reasons why he cannot act upon them. When he says goodbye to her for good, his devastating farewell sends Edna into the final stages of her awakening; with her newfound self-expression and independence at her side as she gives herself to the sea, committing suicide.
Reflecting on the storyline, we can see the significance of Robert Lebrun. The way he tried to manage his desire and love for Edna helped to develop both of them, despite his frivolousness, immature tendencies, and doubtful attitude. Through the analysis of Robert, we learn of his morals and attempts to stay practical, even with his love for Edna. It leads one to question if Edna would have found her independence if Robert did not love her the way he did. We can see in The Awakening that Robert (the societal gentleman) helps Edna reach her final stages of reality by loving her and letting her be herself.
Beer, Janet, and Elizabeth Nolan, eds. Kate Chopin's The Awakening: A Sourcebook. London: Routledge, 2004. Questia School. Web. 3 Nov.