Edna Pontelleir in Kate Chopin's novel, The Awakening, is a woman that is way ahead of her time. She is a woman living through the Victorian Era, although without the many pretenses that most women at the time did. Not only did she not fit into the Creole role that her husband had set up for her, she was having a difficult time squeezing into the gendered role that he had established for her as well. Edna gradually "awakens" to the realization that she is a person and not the possession of her husband. She also realizes she is in an oppressive society and that she is no longer one of the mindless members of the majority, but an individual who's passion conflicts the responsibility that society feels she should be dedicated to.

This image of "The New Woman" stirred up questions about women's proper places, and men's proper places as well. Claire Kahane remarks that the New Woman

he Creole society after her marriage to her Creole husband. This society abounds with "mother-women," who idolize their children and worship their husbands. At this time, this "ideal woman" was the norm, and Edna knew she was different than this. Her friend, Madame Ratignolle was the perfect image of the ideal woman. She was pious, submissive, nurturing, and simply the image of domesticated perfection. Edna admires her friend, but cannot understand why anyone would want to see their husband or coo over their children so much. Edna and Madame Ratignolle are Chopin's representations of the "Old" and "New" woman. The two women are examples of the two conflicting versions of the woman in society. Mademoiselle Reisz is another of Edna's good friends, and she is essential to Edna's "awakening." Mademoiselle Reisz is the old, unmarried, childless, musician who devoted her life to music instead. She sees the ways in which Edna is different from the other women at this time, takes her under her wing and supports her. The characters of Adele Ratignolle and Mademoiselle Reisz represent what society views as the suitable and unsuitable women figures. Mademoiselle Ratignolle is the ideal Grand Isle woman, a home-loving mother and a good wife.

"Well, for instance, when I left her (Reisz) today, she put her arms around me and felt my shoulder blades, to see if my wings were strong, she said. The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings" (83).

One of Edna's first major steps towards personal independence was the purchase of the small home around the corner to live in by herself, also known as the "pigeon house." By winning money from the races and purchasing this small home, Edna has created financial independence as well. The fact that she no longer has to rely on her husband's money breaks the last tie that she had with him: "I know I shall like it, like the feeling of freedom and independence" (80). In her mind now, her marriage is dead, and Mr. Pontellier has no control over her. Financial freedom is not the only thing the pigeon house gives to Edna; it also allows her both physical and spiritual freedom. When Edna kisses Arobin i

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Approximate Word count = 1597
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)