Alex Pohl Dr. McTague Skaggs AP Women in Literature January 16, 2015 Traveling on In the Awakening by Kate Chopin, Edna resembles a bird that is trapped in the cage of contemporary society. Edna takes a dangerous first flight, and is awakened by the opportunities for fulfillment and self-discovery. Edna’s identity evolves during her quest for independence and what influence the relationships with the male characters has on her identity. Although she has newly awakened senses, the men in her life continue to fail to understand her and she continues to feel confined by the boundaries of society. Edna receives little or no encouragement from her partner, Leonce. His views are strictly conventional and believes he is the patriarch. Mr. Pontellier does not feel that Edna is successfully fulfilling her duties as a mother and …show more content…
As Edna becomes involved with Robert, she begins to experience happiness and confidence. From her new awakening she experiences with him, Edna begins to branch away from her husband and seek independence so that she does not have to depend on her husband Edna enjoys Robert’s companionship and likes the feeling she has when they are around each other. As they sat fondly gazing at each other "… exchanging occasional words, glances or smiles which indicated a certain advanced stage of intimacy..." (92). Edna gets a slight thrill from her emotions because she is reaching a sense of independence from her marriage to Leonce. However, as their relationship begins to blossom, Robert leaves for Mexico. Edna feels worrisome depressiveness, for she had fallen in love with him. With this awakening, Edna believes she and Robert will be together forever, “Now you and I are here, we shall love each other…Nothing else in this world is of any consequence” (152). Unfortunately, he leaves to return to Mexico, leaving only a note. This is a painful departure, and soon leads to Edna’s