from obligations added to her strength and expansion as an

The Awakening by Kate Chopin introduces the reader to

the life of Edna Pontellier, a woman with an independent

nature, searching for her true identity in a patriarchal

society that expects women to be nothing more than devoted

wives and nurturing mothers. In this paper I will describe

Edna's journey of self-discovery and explain why her

struggle for independence is no easy task. I will also

discuss the relationship Edna has with two other main women

characters and describe how these women conform or rebel

against a society with many social constraints. Finally I

will discuss how the issues brought up in Chopin's novel are

The Awakening begins in the vacation spot of Grand

Isle. At first we believe that Grand Isle is a utopia,

wealthy families relaxing at oceanside, but it is here where

Edna first begins to realize her unhappiness. The first sign

of dissatisfaction is when Edna allows herself to feel that

her marriage is unsatisfying; yet she must agree with the

that her 'talent is immense'(18)."(Showalter,p.74)

herself. She needs an outlet to express who she is. Edna

Elfbein, Anna Shannon.(1989).Women on the Color Line.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Awakening Edna, Grand Isle, Mademoiselle Reisz's, Robert Lebrun, Edna Pontellier, Aunt Michele, Edna Edna's, Madame Ratignolle, Alcee Arobin, Madonna14 Adele, grand isle,  , women characters, kate chopin, edna's journey,   , role mother, patriarchal society, return world, love edna, refuses return, refuses return world,
Approximate Word count = 1445
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)