Kate Chopin’s famous novella, The Awakening, is the story of a complex woman named Edna Pontellier who experiences a series of awakenings that prompt her to explore her independent wants and desires. Through her struggles with her unhappy marriage and the expectations placed on women during this time, she goes on a transformative journey toward personal fulfillment and liberation by breaking free from societal constraints. Throughout the novel, Edna struggles with the expectations of motherhood due to the limitations placed on women. She, along with most women during this time, was expected to care for their children and husbands, fulfill domestic obligations, and manage a social life at the same time. Chopin juxtaposes her frustration with …show more content…
Leonce’s preoccupation with his social standing and personal interests often makes Edna feel dismissed and overlooked. Throughout the novel, he often diminishes her emotions and disregards her concerns and feelings. One instance is when Edna was discussing her unhappiness with her life as a mother and wife, and he retorted, "I'm sorry you feel that way. It seems to me, though, that if I had a good, faithful husband and children and had been as fortunate as you have been, I wouldn't complain." Leonce’s dismissive attitude towards his wife and his failure to understand that she is an individual with unique desires reflect the societal expectations women had. Edna’s discontent with the expectation of finding fulfillment solely in her role as a caregiver eventually leads to a sexual awakening and a search for independence. She meets the wealthy and alluring Alcee, who offers the emotional connection her marriage lacks. Unlike Leonce, Alcee offers understanding and support for Edna's needs rather than simply viewing her as a mother and wife. An instance that demonstrates this is when they were alone in her home together. The author writes, "He understood; he felt the significance of the act that had brought them together; he knew the value to him of an hour or a moment in her society." Alcee sees that their relationship is emotional