Kate Chopin's The Awakening details the story of Edna Pontellier, a woman who was expected to do what men wanted them to do. Women like Edna were expected to be naturally good and to follow their husband’s ideas right after marriage. However, as she grows as both a person and a woman, she begins to feel signs of change that she feels is necessary. Edna realizes that she must leave the life she is currently living to fulfill her desires and personal needs. Soon, she feels the hopelessness of her cause; society doesn't accept her independence and must find another way to live her life.
As Spangler states, “the conclusion of the novel, which is unsatisfactory because it is fundamentally evasive”. There is no hint of her suicide in Spangler’s opinion, but her change that Edna develops throughout the novel proves otherwise. She has been so long indifferent with
…show more content…
Spangler states that Edna felt like a slave throughout her life, and was trying to do what she could to change that. Edna’s change is prevalent throughout the novel and is clear the to the reasons to which led to her inevitable death. Edna’s husband Leonce was her protector and decision maker. Each and every one of their decisions had to be made and agreed upon by the husband, but Edna didn't fit this idea which eventually leads to her demise. Leonce has taken control of much of Edna’s life, restricting her from much of what she wants as a woman and doesn't feel emotionally cared about. As Leonce finds out about Edna’s decision to leave the home, he writes her a “letter of disapproval and remonstrance… He hoped she had not acted upon her rash impulse; and he begged her to consider first, foremost, and