Reading Response 3

So far, I am enjoying my reading of “Awakening” by Kate Chopin. What has stood out to me the most so far is Mrs. Pontellier’s character and her withdraw from convention and tradition. Despite feeling empowered through her withdrawal (learning to swim, taking time for herself, spending time with those who make her happy), her quality of life and her relationships around her begin to crumble. I think this is a really interesting depiction of the journey of a woman reclaiming their independence. Edna’s story stands out because of the way her decisions and changes subvert her regular life, rather than creating immediate devastation or revolutionary change in her life. Her husband and children notice her absence, but everyone figures out how to get by without Edna around for one afternoon. She chooses to spend more time with Robert and flirting with him instead of rejecting advances, but her friend tells Robert not to tempt Edna, and Robert becomes more distant and eventually leaves entirely, despite the mutual admiration between him and Edna starting to grow. The reactions and actions of other characters seek to keep Edna in her state and slow down her “awakening,” whether they realize it is actually happening or not. This shows how the other characters in the story are abiders of and protectors of convention- they do not show great concern or care to Edna’s face, but in snide comments from her husband or private discussions without her, they are criticizing and concerned for Edna’s new behaviors.