awakening :: essays research papers

The Awakening - Morality or Self-sacrifice? The Awakening, by Kate Chopin, takes one back to an earlier time while still raise the questions of morality and self-sacrifice that exist today. Edna Pontellier, the protagonist of the story, places herself in the position to be the individual going against society from the beginning of the novel. In the beginning chapters of the novel, Ednas characteristics and actions worthy of rebuke lead to a breakdown of her moral integrity. These behaviors lastly lead her to become a woman that not plainly the Creole culture rejects, but civilization in general can no longer accept. Ednas plight doneout the novel perfects her status as that individual going against society. Her reserve toward her children places her in abnormal standing. Her behavior, not unavoidably of neglect but rather of apathetic involvement in their lives, contrasted the exaltation motherly figure of the get along. Madame Ratignolle, Ednas friend, maintains quite a diffe rent diffuse about her. She possesses the dependent attitude which the Creole society seems not only to encourage, but in some locutions requires. Although Edna hunch overs her children dearly, and in spells needs them with fervor, she was more disposed to leaving them with the nanny or a friend rather than looking at after them herself. She would give anything for her children, but she would not give of herself. In an age of expected domestic dependence, Ednas rejection of her obligations as a mother and a wife go against the tacit rules of the world in which she lives. Although Edna was outwardly acting the duties of her life, her heart was busy thinking other thoughts. Throughout the course of the summer, she travel in love with Robert Lebrun. Yes, he previously established he ordinal wheel status in the families at Grande Isle, but this was another aspect of Ednas life that pits her against her surroundings. As Robert falls in love with Edna, and she with him, her uncon ditional longing is inflamed, and her passions begin to overpower her self-control. Ednas husband, Leonce, is more in love with the idea of a wife for himself and a mother for his children rather than Edna herself. This makes it easier for Edna to allow go. When Robert suddenly leaves for Mexico on a business excursion, Edna becomes despondent and unfocused. Maybe through the severe longing for him and grief at his absence she becomes intensely affiliated to herself.