Edna Pontellier Character Development

The Development of Self
Kate Chopin's The Awakening delves into the idea of the self through the development of the character Edna Pontellier during a period of enlightenment. Mrs. Pontellier struggles to maintain interest in domestic duties and maintaining relationships in society as the wife of a prominent businessman. On a summer trip to the Grande Isle, a metamorphosis begins to occur as Mrs. Pontellier is confronted with the notion to delve deeper into her individuality and purpose. The unorthodox thought and actions which proceed this inclination create unrest in her familial relationships and environment as she continues to search and find her true identity. The change and growth in the mentality of Mrs. Pontellier contrasts with the

Pontellier that initiates a change in her very being is a moment when she listens to music in a new light. She talks of her previous association of music with images that reflect its tone, such as solitude or joy. Alternatively and suddenly she is instead overcome with pure feeling, something indescribable. As she waits for the images to come into her mind she states, “But the very passions themselves were aroused within her soul, swaying it, lashing it, as the waves daily beat upon her splendid body.” (Chopin 35) This reaction is completely her own and not a reflection of standards. It rejects the predisposed reaction of connecting specific feelings with respected societal imagery and, instead, emphasizes the power of pure emotion that conjures no image. This reaction initiates a change in Mrs. Pontellier and stresses that emotion is not a learned process but instinctual and free. The music evoked a deeper understanding of the soul and moved her in ways that were no longer artificial or

Pontellier never found in her husband. These feelings could be perceived as selfish to her family, but she explains herself to her friend Madame Ratignolle in saying, “I would give my money, I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself.”(Chopin 65) The author does not associate life and self as having unity, and even refers to life as the “unessential”. She illustrates that losing sense of self is a loss that cannot be recovered or recompensed; that the identity of the individual is essential to existence. The author furthermore exemplifies the necessity of the freedom in retaining individuality when Mrs. Pontellier gives up her life. Stripping completely nude she swam far out into the ocean until becoming exhausted, “She thought of Leonce and the children. They were a part of her life. But they need not have thought that they could possess her, body and soul.”(Chopin 162) This expression of ideas dealing with nonconformity is finalized in the decision to give up her life to remain in control of herself and in death she finds ultimate freedom. This action is the final illuminating moment symbolizing that complete understanding of self and purpose is achieved by refusing to sacrifice the essence of the soul for