In the Awakening, Kate Chopin takes the readers on a journey surveying the gender norms of a small town in St. Louis. Each gender in this subculture seems to take certain roles in daily life. Females are destined to perform housewife duties and to nurture the children, while the males are more involved with the worldly business situations. Edna Pontellier, the female protagonist, is portrayed as a woman who seems to rebel against the norms expected from her. While most women from her era view their duties as satisfying and fulfilling, Edna finds herself interacting with her children perfunctorily, with no inner joy. Her other wifely duties bring her no excitement, only disappointment. The gender set rules hinder Edna’s character in many ways. These norms limit her freedom, but more importantly, it compels her to feel trapped within a society bound by expectations. Furthermore, it influences her outlook on life and perhaps the state of her personal life, which causes her to be more self- involved. And if this selfishness continues, it may be detrimental to her family and herself. On the other hand, the gender norms seem to compliment Edna’s individualism as she attempts to stand on her own ground. Although, it may not be appreciated by the people surrounding her, Edna’s rebellion against the “suitable” …show more content…
Pontellier is dedicated to the economic sections of the world. He concerns himself with the status he and his family presents to the public. And his character is hindered by the norms set for him. Since his focus remains on business and worldly situations, he neglects his marriage and acts as if it is a transaction with business agreements of which job belongs to whom. After he returns from a busy day of work, he finds that one of his children has fever, therefore, he ridicules his wife of her negligence. This does not indicate a partnership as a marriage should, but it reveals his outlook of this marriage as a business