Edna's emotional awakening made her recognize her inner self and true feelings. She no longer had any feelings for Leonce Pontellier. "I am no longer one of Mr. Pontellier's possessions to dispose of or not."(178) She realizes the treatment she receives from him is not love. She only married him because she wanted to rebel against her parents. Like Wilber Fisk Tillett said in his criticism "we might conveniently divide or subject into these three heads: (1) the southern woman before the war; (2) the southern woman during the war;

Edna's awakening was shown through her sexual actions. She came to the realization that the only man she wanted to be with was Robert. "...How delicious it would be to have [Robert] there with her!" "I love you...only you, no one but you" (171). Robert was the only reason she was alive. After meeting Robert, he would be the only on she would think of. Robert was the one who awoke Edna from her life long sleep. Dorothy Dix said in her criticism "The married flirt-the woman who has achieved a kind of temporary widowhood by going off for the summer-is even more dangerous". "After she met Robert Lebrun the awakening stirred in her." Even though Edna cared a lot about Robert, she passionately kissed Aerobin. "[Aerobin] leaned forward and kissed her, she clasped his head holding his lips to hers." (139). Edna liked to kiss Aerobin even though it made her feel irresponsible. It gave her a chance to be 'free.' If he set the opportunity, Edna would kiss him. Overall Edna was getting involved with many men kissing her. "The touch of [Victors] lips was like a pleasing sting to her hand." (156) She attracted and allowed all these men that came after her. She did not know her limits because she was overwhelmed with her new found freedom. She expressed her awakening through her sexuality. Even through all this being kept in mind is Edna has been married to Leonce this whole time. Even though he has gone on vacation it does not mean that she can just go on and live a 'single' life.

Edna lost her life because she was not able to fully take control of it. Although she got very

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Approximate Word count = 1076
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)