The Awakening

A detailed Summary of The Awakening

I remember last summer, walking along the beach, seeing the sunset and thinking to myself "This is heaven!" when I was interrupted by the voice of a man exclaiming, "C'mon, it's just a stupid sunset." My first impression of this man was that he was ignorant and wouldn't know true beauty if it hit him on the head, but as I thought about it I realized that I was the one being ignorant. Every person sees the world around them through different eyes. Just as we see objects, our perception of people may not only contradict how other people see that person, but also how that person sees himself or herself. An excellent example of this conflict of perception is in the novel, The Awakening. This novel explores the rebirth and sexual awakening of Edna Pontellier, in the period of the late 1800's. As Edna searches for independence and passion outside of her marriage, she often finds herself struggling between how people see her and who she knows she is.

The first and perhaps the most important example of this contradiction is in the relationship that she has with her husband, Leonce Pontellier. Edna, as a result of her experiences at Grand Isle, begins to uncover her own identit

Unfortunately, Leonce is not the only person who feels that abiding by society is top priority. Madame Ratignolle, a good friend of Edna, is the epitome of nineteenth century matronhood. She is not only content, but happy having devoted her life to performing her domestic duties. In Adele's close-minded opinion, that is the way women are supposed to act and she cannot understand why any woman would not want to. As Edna drifts farther away from the ideal mother-woman, Adele sees her as being blind to reality and ignorant to her responsibilities. Edna tries to explain her emotions to her friend on page 47 when she says, "I would give up the unessential; I would give my money, I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself." At this point Edna is beginning to recognize her own emotions, thus caring little about pleasing others and more about taking care of herself.

y, independent of her husband and children. However, as she finally finds the strength to escape the restrictions of her domestic situation, Leonce is always right behind her, commanding her to quit her nonsense and be a good housewife. "Think of what people will say!" This quote seems to be

Some common words found in the essay are:
Mexico Edna's, Madame Ratignolle, , Grand Isle, Edna Pontellier, Unfortunately Leonce, Leonce Edna, Pontellier Edna, person world, person world eyes, world eyes, late 1800's,

Approximate Word count = 792
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels

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The Awakening

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