Resumo de The Awakening

Edna Pontellier,
transforms herself from an obedient housewife to a person who is alive with
strength of character and emotions which she no longer has to repress. This
metamorphosis is shaped by her surroundings. Just as her behavior is more
shocking and horrifying because of her position in society, it is that very
position which causes her to feel restrained and makes her yearn to rebel.

Adele Ratignolle is Edna's close friend and confidante, but the
two women are nothing alike. Adele is the perfect housewife and mother; she is
the epitome of what a Creole woman and mother ought to be. She lives her life
for her children, always being sure that they are properly cared for, clothed,
and educated. Unlike Adele whose life is fulfilled through loving and caring
for her children, Edna is fond of her children in an uneven, impulsive
way They are not enough to justify her life.

Adele could not understand how Edna could say that she would
never sacrifice herself for her children, or for anyone Edna's being is taking
on a new importance in her life. She is starting to realize just how important
it is to be true to herself. She has never done that before. She went along
with the way things were supposed to be, holding her socials and tending to her
house until she became aware that she needed more from her life.

Edna's marriage to Leonce is safe, but there is no passion or
excitement. She grew fond of her husband, realizing with some
unaccountable satisfaction that no trace of passion or excessive and fictitious
warmth colored her affection, thereby threatening its dissolution. While
this lack of emotion is enough to satisfy Edna for the majority of her
marriage, after she begins to allow her true self to come forth, she feels
trapped and seeks a way to escape. She realizes that she needs intrigue and
flavor in her marriage, especially, in her life. Leonce cannot understand that
she does not fit the mold of the typical Creole woman. Her lifestyle is
suffocating her.

The person whom Edna truly admires is Mademoiselle Reiz, who is a
brilliant pianist. Her talent is somewhat lost on the other people on the
island. They cannot appreciate her artistry, as does Edna because Mademoiselle
Reiz does not fit their idea of what a proper woman should be; she is eccentric
and bold. Her music touches Edna to the very core of her being. Something
inside her is stirred, and she feels alive like never before in her life.

Edna respects Mademoiselle Reiz because she has the courage to be
different. It is Mademoiselle's music that starts to awaken Edna
and allows her to see the beauty and passion in life.

An amazing transformation takes place in Edna throughout the
course of a few months. The people with whom she interacts and the culture in
which she is submersed play a significant role in her wakening.

Edna continues to feel trapped in the restricted environment and
ultimately commits suicide to leave the world that will not let her leave her
traditional role. Romanticism is evident as the novel ends and Edna completely
rejects the Victorian ways. With Chopin's ending, she creates an idea that her
society cannot accept. Edna tried to maintain her role as long as she could,
but it became too much for her, and she needed to do the best thing. In her
mind, that meant killing herself in the water that had no boundaries and
restrictions.

Edna is able to break away from the restraining world of Adele and
Leonce in which she will never find her place. Stirred by the magic and
intrigue of Mademoiselle Reiz's world, she finds the strength to reach for
that, which is real for her, and she allows her true being to shine.

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