The ocean is the central underlying symbol in the story. The beginning of the story is set on an island surrounded by the sea.. Many times the ocean is used in reference to an awakening in Edna Pontellier. An example of this can be seen in her first awakening. "A certain light was beginning to dawn dimly within her,--- the l

The last symbol of awakening, and without a doubt the most prominent throughout the story is love. Edna has numerous relationships throughout the story, and they all contribute to her awakening more so than any single factor. Her relationship with Alcee Arobin was especially so. "Edna did not care or think whether it were genuine or not. When she was alone she looked mechanically at the back of her hand which he had kissed so warmly...Alcee Arobin was absolutely nothing to her. Yet his presence, his manners, the warmth of his glances, and above all the touch of his lips upon her hand had acted like a narcotic upon her. She slept a languorous sleep, interwoven with vanishing dreams." (Pgs. 125-126) This is the first instance where she really becomes accessible to Alcee Arobin's advances. She realizes what she is doing is wrong, however, she seems to put that in the back of her mind. She feels nothing for Alcee yet, she without a doubt loves the attention he lovingly doles out to her. Attention that was never given to her by her husband Leonce. Another key awakening for her in respect to love is when she is unfaithful to her husband with Alcee. "'I thought you were going away,' she said, in an uneven voice. 'I am, after I have said good night.'...He did not answer, except to continue to caress her. He did not say good night until she had become supple to his gentle, seductive entreaties." (Pg. 152) Edna obviously lets her guard down, and gives way to temptation. All the previous awakenings throughout the entire novel contribute to her actions on this night. She acts on impulse, and unlike the majority of the people of her time did what she wanted to do. Not what all of her peers thought was proper. It would also be assumed that she would think of the repercussions that would occur if her husband found out. However, the only person she thought about when she spent time with Alcee was Robert Lebrun. He was another one of her romantic conquests. It was not until the end of the book that he gave in to temptation, because unlike Alcee, he was being propositioned by Edna. "'You have been a very, very foolish boy...I am no longer

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1454
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)