The novel’s author, Kate Chopin, declares in chapter 4 of the short story, “Mrs. Pontellier was not a mother-woman.” From what is stated in the straightforward quote, readers are promptly able to comprehend the verity that Edna Pontellier is not a conventional character that believes she should stay at home, serve as an object to her husband, take care of her children, and practically accomplish nothing else in her life. Instead of these erroneous stereotypes, Edna believes she contains an alluring and intellectual identify that is worthy of being acknowledged by others apart from her futile husband, Léonce Pontellier. The central conflict The Awakening focuses on is Edna Pontellier’s rebellious actions, such as initiating an affair, in order to become emancipated from the obligatory domestic norms women face as merely being subdued by men as a mother and wife. …show more content…
During a conversation one evening, Edna opens up to Alcée regarding her aversion and inability to relate towards orthodox customaries. The scene heats up expeditiously as Alcée begins to caresses Edna’s cheeks followed by a mutual passionate kiss carried out. As stated in chapter 27 of the novelette, “It was the first kiss of [Edna’s] life to which her nature had really responded. It was a flaming torch that kindled desire.” The amorous moment by the two exhibits their deferential intimate relationship. Throughout the course of their affair, Arobin treats Edna in a way Léonce was never able to. This includes fulfilling her sexual desires, permitting her to express her notions, and presenting endearment to the romantic association. Most significantly, Edna never authorizes Alcée to possess her as a materialistic object and maintains dominance throughout the liaison to avoid remembrance of her unavailing