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Edna Pontellier's Expectations In The Awakening

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I grew up hearing the saying that a little girl could have an old soul, or that someone is well beyond their years. These sayings are popular to societies, because they try to explain why certain individuals differentiate from the acceptable norms in ways that may be more complicated than just personality traits. In The Awakening, Edna Pontellier is no exception. Her society’s expectations differ from who she is and how she is willing to act so that she would fit in. Chapter one of The Awakening begins the story with several examples of how Edna does not fit in with her society. "You are burnt beyond recognition," he added, looking at his wife as one looks at a valuable piece of personal property which has suffered some damage (4). Although …show more content…

First there was Robert Lebrun. He was the classic ladies’ man, consistently courting different women each summer with no regard to their relationship statuses. Edna became a fascination to Robert, and their relationship blossomed into an affair. All throughout history affairs come and go, and each one has a separate effect on all relationships involved. It would not be factual to say that it was common for married women to have other relations with men. However, in Edna’s situation, married with two kids does not seem like a cry for attention or love, or at least one would …show more content…

She also fancied a man named Alcee Arobin who takes her to the horse races, starting another affair after Robert departs. They attended the races several times together, and began to connect through conversation. Her connection with Alcee cannot compare to Robert, but Leonce her husband cannot even come close in comparison to either. Robert compelled her and she felt joy when thinking and being with him. “What will you do when he [Robert] comes back?” she asked. “Do? Nothing, except feel glad and happy to be alive” (78). If she felt these positive emotions, why did she not start over again with

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