The Awakening In-Depth Analysis

Changing the setting and time period of a text can effectively alter how the plot and the characters develop. These adjustments will be seen throughout the characters’ lifestyle and social class changes in The Awakening. Kate Chopin’s poignant novel is set in the Southern United States during the late 1800s, where restrictions against women are in place. Moreover, the changes in setting and time period will be effectively examined through an in-depth analysis of the effects it has on Edna and Leonce Pontellier’s lifestyles and social classes. This will be proven through the changes and reactions of Edna’s characterization from being a typical housewife and changes in Leonce’s mindset.
First of all, Edna is a traditional housewife and she has certain household duties that she must do every day. However, Edna disobeys her responsibilities of cleaning, cooking or taking care of her own children to focus …show more content…
Mandalet think Edna’s actions are abnormal which is evident during their conversation “‘She’s got some sort of notion in her head concerning eternal rights of women; and—you understand—we meet in the morning at the breakfast table’” (100). This represents Edna’s choice of independence from her marital status with Leonce. Edna is currently under stress about her relationship with Leonce, Robert and Alcee which causes Leonce to be worried of her sanity. The incorporation of “eternal rights of women” demonstrates how feminist ideologies are starting to be an issue during the late 1800s. However, if the novel was set in present society; both Dr. Mandalet and Leonce would not be worried about Edna’s life choices. Miscommunication is common among married couples allowing one to argue with the other and is evident between Leonce and Edna. Also, females have more societal rights today allowing their “abnormal” choices to be normal. Edna choosing to sleep by herself is form of independence from the issues she’s