The suicide can also be seen as Edna's rebellious assertion of her own will: because Edna refuses to be tied down and to sacrifice “herself,” she bravely sacrifices her life for the sake of maintaining her integrity and independence. By drowning herself, she ensures that her last act is a self-determined one.

Does Edna Pontellier drown?

The Awakening by Kate Chopin ends with the death of the main character, Edna Pontellier. Stripping off her clothes, she swims out to sea until her arms can no longer support her, and she drowns.

Where does Edna drown?

Ultimately, Robert sets her free—he leaves again. This breaks Edna's heart, and she goes back to Grand Isle and goes swimming, presumably drowning.

What happened to Edna in The Awakening?

By committing suicide Edna is finally freeing herself from social constraints and possession. Her suicide is an act of liberation, therefore Edna is the ultimate feminist. The opposing group of critics read The Awakening as a naturalist text.

What happens to Edna Pontellier?

Given the book's ambiguity, Edna's decision to commit suicide at the end of the novel can be read either as an act of cowardice—of submission to thoughts of her sons' reputations and to a sense that life has become too difficult—or as an act of final rebellion—of refusal to sacrifice her integrity by putting her life ...

The Awakening by Kate Chopin | In-Depth Summary & Analysis

26 related questions found

Who serve as foils for Edna?

In The Awakening, Chopin sets up two characters main characters and a subsidiary female character to serve as foils to Edna. The main characters are Adele Ratignolle, "the bygone heroine of romance" (888), and Mademoiselle Reisz, the musician who devoted her life to music, rather than a man.

How does Edna awaken in the awakening?

Edna's awakening comes in two parts, the emotionally sexual awakening she experiences with Robert and the physically sexual awakening reached with Arobin (Seyersted, Kate Chopin 155). When Robert leaves her the first time, she is upset and broods, unable to believe he left so abruptly, and without saying goodbye.

How does Leonce treat Edna?

We see that Léonce treats Edna as, well, just another possession he has at home. He doesn't treat her like a wife or a love partner. Although he takes care of his family duties, he spends little quality time with Edna as well as his children.

Does Robert really love Edna in The Awakening?

Although he never consummates their relationship physically, Robert's tender treatment of Edna proves that his love for her extends beyond the superficial adoration he is used to showing his female companions.

Why does Edna go back to Grand Isle?

Edna goes back to Grand Isle alone. Her feeling of depression persists. Edna talks to Victor and Mariequita, and then goes down to the beach for a swim. Edna changes into her bathing suit, but later strips when she realizes the beach is deserted.

Who dies in the awakening?

One group of critics focuses on the novel as a feminist text. They argue that Edna Pontellier's awakening is one of mental clarity, and her suicide is a triumphant act. By committing suicide Edna is finally freeing herself from social constraints and possession.

Where is Edna at the end of the book?

At the end of the novel, Edna returns to Grand Isle, and after stripping down to her swimsuit, she walks into the sea. She begins to swim until she loses her strength and presumably drowns.

Does Edna undergo more than one awakening in this novel What is she awakened to?

Awakening of Sexual Freedom and Independence. A great deal of this confusion is owed to the second awakening in Edna's character, the sexual awakening. This awakening is, without doubt, the most considered and examined aspect of the novel.

How did awakening end?

The Awakening ending reveals that Tom is a ghost and Florence was once a resident at the mansion which is now a school. Many years back, Florence's mother and father get into a nasty fight which ends with the father shooting the mother with a shotgun and chasing after Florence as he taunts her by her nickname, Mousie.

What does Edna sacrifice in the awakening?

Edna's suicide can be seen as her ultimate awakening because she refuses to return to the life of restrictions. She rather sacrifices her own life than her individuality and freedom, because 'nothing less than a transformation of social reality would enable [Edna] to go on living' (Gilmore, 63).

Who kisses Edna at the end of Chapter 27?

Alcée kisses Edna, and she responds by “clasping his head.” Alcée's kiss is “the first . . . of her life to which her nature had really responded. It was a flaming torch that kindled desire.”

Does Robert want to marry Edna?

In response to Edna's kiss, Robert finally confesses his love to Edna. These feelings flared strong enough during their summer together that he left for Mexico. ... Good-by—because I love you.” Robert got a much-needed break when Edna was called away just as the two were admitting their mutual love.

What happens between Edna and Robert?

At first, the relationship between Robert and Edna is innocent. They mostly bathe in the sea or engage in idle talk. As the summer progresses, however, Edna and Robert grow closer, and Robert's affections and attention inspire in Edna several internal revelations.

Why does Robert leave Edna in The Awakening?

Upon his return, Robert and Edna finally declare their love for each other, but their happiness is cut short when they realize they want different things: Robert wants marriage while Edna wants independence. ... So Robert split for a second time, leaving behind a "Good-bye – because I love you" note.

How does Edna's husband treat her?

A Man of His Time

By the standards of his day, Leonce Pontellier is the perfect husband. This guy makes a good living and is a popular figure in society. He gives Edna plenty of money, indulges her hobbies, and even sends her care packages packed with goodies: ... It was from her husband.

What does Edna do after Leonce falls asleep?

By the time Léonce goes to sleep, Edna is fully awake. She goes onto the porch and cries until the mosquitoes force her back inside to bed. ... When he arrives home, possibly drunk (considering his exuberant and talkative mood), he awakens Edna from a sound sleep but expects her to chatter back at him.

Do Edna and Alcee sleep together?

A: Yes. The language in Chapter 27 reflects literary conventions of the 1890s. ... The text shows that Edna and Alcée have sex in the house on Esplanade Street (in Chapter 27), after the party when they go to the pigeon-house (in Chapter 31) and, apparently, in Chapter 35.

Who is responsible for Edna's awakening?

Not all of the blame can be placed solely on Edna, though. Her husband, Leonce Pontellier, has some problems that serve as a catalyst for Edna's selfish awakening. Although Leonce gives Edna expensive gifts, he does not give her affection, time, and love. She feels as though they are not even married.

Why does Edna feel trapped?

Edna feels trapped in the “cage” of society, it¹s rules and standards, and she can¹t find happiness if she follows the rules. She cannot be happy without Robert, but Robert cannot be with her. Edna feels like a trapped bird. She sets herself free, only to find that her wings are not strong enough.

What is Edna's position on sacrificing for her children?

Edna recognizes the impact her choices have on her sons, but also knows that if she does what is best for them, she will be sacrificing herself. She wants to maintain her own identity and do what she needs to make herself whole. Because she does not want to give up her own “essential” part, she must find another way.