The Awakening, by Kate Chopin, reflects the sexual awakening of a woman, Edna Pontellier, who has led the conventional lifestyle of a middle-class mother and wife. Edna finds herself longing for something more in life, other than the every day sophistication she is expected to life up to such as housecleaning, entertaining, and others duties expected of a woman. She begins to exercise her free sprit as she experiments sexually and defies the traditions of women in this time period. Elements of regionalism, realism, and naturalism are evident throughout the novel as the main character transforms into an independent woman.
Realism is depicted in the character of Adele Ratignolle. Adele is one of Edna’s good friends and reflects the “Mother-woman” that Mr. Pontellier expects in his wife. Mr. Pontellier describes a “Mother-woman” as, “They are woman who idolized their children, worshiped their husbands, and esteemed it a holy privilege to efface themselves as individuals and grow winds as ministering angels”
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Leonce Pontellier is a strict Creole man who views himself as the dictator and leader of the family. Chopin describes Mr. Pontellier as a true Creole man as he is “Looking at his wide as one looks at a valuable piece of personal property which as suffered some damage” (Chopin, p. 469). It is clear that he views his wife as a piece of property rather than a active partner in their marriage. While this sounds as if Mr. Pontellier is degrading his wife, she is not fulfilling the role of a Creole mother. Additionally, regionalism reflects the culture and language that is depicted in the literature. Chopin reflects the French language by stating, “Allez vous-en! Allez vous-en! Sapristi” (Chopin, p. 467)! The French language aids in the development of this novel by aiding in the traditional Creole culture that sets that stage for many characters such as Mr.