Kate Chopin, The Awakening The Awakening, written by Kate Chopin, tells the story of a woman, Edna Pontellier, who transforms herself from an obedient housewife to a person who is alive with strength of character and emotions which she no longer has to repress or be shaped Her behavior is more shocking and horrifying because of herposition in society and it is that very position which causes her to feel restrained andmakes her yearn to rebel. Adele Ratignolle is Edna's close friend and confidante, but the two women arenothing alike. Adele could not understand how Edna could say that she "would neversacrifice herself for her children, or for anyone". Edna's being is taking on a newimportance in her life and she is starting to realize just how important it is to be true toherself. She has never done that before because she always went along with the way thingswere supposed to be, holding her socials and tending to her house until she became awarethat she needs more from her life. Edna's marriage to Leonce is safe, but there is no passion or excitement. "Shegrew fond of her husband, realizing with some unaccountable satisfaction that no trace ofpassion or excessive and fictitious warmth colored her affection, thereby threatening itsdissolution" . While this lack of emotion is enough to satisfy Edna for the majority of hermarriage, she begins to allow her true self to come forth because she feels trapped andseeks a way to escape. She realizes that she needs intrigue and flavor in her marriage,especially, in her life which seems to be suffocating her. Leonce cannot understand thatshe does not fit the mold of the typical Creole woman. The person whom Edna truly admires is Mademoiselle Reiz, who is a brilliantpianist, though, her talent is somewhat lost on the other people on the island. They cannotappreciate her artistry as does Edna because Mademoiselle Reiz does not fit their idea ofwhat a proper woman should be; she is eccentric and b...
