The Awakening Chapters 1-14 Flashcards

Setting and Characters

• Grand Isle serves as a luxurious vacation destination for affluent families from New Orleans, set during the summer of 1865.
• Mr. Pontellier is a 40-year-old man with a medium height and slender build, characterized by brown straight hair and a neatly-trimmed beard.
• Edna Pontellier, aged 28, experiences feelings of dissatisfaction in her marriage and societal role.

Relationships and Conflicts

• Robert Lebrun, in his 20s, is a charming young man who befriends the women at Grand Isle, reflecting a lack of genuine connection in Edna's marriage.
• Mr. Pontellier believes Edna is inadequate in her maternal responsibilities, further straining their relationship.
• Edna’s attraction to Robert stems from his kindness and respect, contrasting sharply with her husband's treatment of her, which she finds lacking.

Social Dynamics

• The concept of a "mother-woman" is exemplified by Adele Ratignolle, who epitomizes femininity through her nurturing nature and adherence to traditional roles.
• Edna is drawn to sketching, showcasing her desire for personal expression amidst her constrained domestic life.

Personal Growth and Independence

• Edna's fear of water symbolizes her initial struggle with self-identity, but as she interacts with the ocean, it later represents a burgeoning sense of freedom.
• A notable transformation occurs when Edna disregards her husband's command to come inside, indicating her evolving independence and self-assertion.

Key Events

• During a visit to Cheniere, Edna's discontent with traditional values surfaces as she leaves a mass that does not resonate with her, choosing instead to explore her individuality alongside Robert.
• Edna's emotional response to the piano music played by Mademoiselle Reisz highlights her deep-seated feelings and longing for artistic expression and connection.

Symbolism

• Bonbons gifted by Mr. Pontellier symbolize materialism and his attempt to compensate for emotional absence in the lives of his children.
• The water serves as a metaphor for both freedom and self-discovery, illustrating Edna's internal struggle and gradual awakening to her desires and needs.

Progression of Edna and Robert's Relationship

• Edna actively seeks Robert's company, marking a significant shift in their relationship dynamic, as she begins to assert her agency and choices.
• As Edna grows more independent, she develops a stronger sense of self, leading to deeper connections and the courage to seek fulfillment outside societal expectations.