The two major roles and societal duties thrust upon her day after day are that of wife and mother. Throughout the story as Edna attempts to become more and more independent, these duties of wife and mother she allows to slip. The seeds of the beginnings of this slippage in her duties are planted in her summer in Grand Isle. Specifically, her realization of some deep inner thoughts occurs with the coming to understand and acknowledge her curiosity of her infatuation with Robert Lebrum. Along with her realization of her feelings for Robert she becomes increasingly aware that her husband does not satisfy her emotionally as a life partner.

When Edna realizes that essentially she is forever a servant to her children and also even if she would be with Robert, he would eventually ask her to be his wife. Being Roberts's wife would once again force her into the societal roles she does not want to be in.

Edna's marriage and the children that became of it in Edna own words were an "accident". (Chopin 220)

Chopin, Kate. The Awakening and other stories. Ed. Lewis Lear. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc, 1970.

All the other wives express almost a jealousy over Leonce Pontellier. "And the ladies... all declared that Mr. Pontellier was the best husband in the world." (Chopin 207) Mr. Pontellier is very giving and absolutely adores his wife, but in the end it's the absolute devotion, infatuation and complete attention that Robert Lebrun lays upon her while on Grand Isle that her innermost desires crave, and that set her upon her spiral into almost a madness. Mr. Pontellier's affection towards his wife can be compared to the devotion and affection one might have for a prized pet, almost mechanical as affection for a possessed object. "'You are burnt beyond recognition.' He added, looking at his wife as one looks at a valuable piece of personal property which has suffered some damage." (Chopin 201) Here Leonce lays concern upon his wife's appearance as a possession. Leonce Pontellier many times in the story cares most about appearance and the perception of himself through the eyes o!

e Pontellier is a kindly and giving husband Edna's love for Leonce is never really more than a fleeting infatuation.

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Some common words found in the essay are:
Leonce Pontellier, Madame Ratignolle, Robert Lebrun, Grand Isle, Throughout Edna's, Isle Edna's, Ratignolle Edna, Edna Pontellier, Robert Lebrum, Isle Specifically, societal roles, wife mother, leonce pontellier, grand isle, roles wife mother, madame ratignolle, roles wife, chopin 220, swims ocean, chopin 207, societal duties,
Approximate Word count = 1077
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)