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The Struggle For Freedom In Kate Chopin's The Awakening

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“There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved” (George Sand). Love is the one thing that anyone can fall back on; it gives hope, faith, and dignity. The Awakening by Kate Chopin tells of an interesting twist on life in the late 1800s. In the perspective of a woman, Edna Pontellier, thriving for freedom as she searches, she finds herself with different men, Léonce, Robert, and Alcée. Edna is married to a wealthy businessperson, Léonce Pontellier, which they shared two children. Robert Lebrun, a man known as the summer love. He stays with Edna and her kids while her husband is away. Alcée Arobin, known as a player, trying to make a one-time connection with a woman. All men in Edna’s life made a difference or changed her in some way. They all either made her feel trapped, a brief moment of relief, or the freedom she has been longing for.
Léonce Pontellier, a husband to Edna, works all summer and rarely home. Edna’s relationship with Léonce is indifferent; he never acknowledges Edna’s needs or her own wellbeing. He is blind to the little things around him, during his time with his family. To Léonce, Edna is nothing more than a woman with whom he shares a home …show more content…

Edna goes through three men throughout the book, Léonce, Robert, and Alcée. Edna and her husband’s relationship does not have any qualities that a married couple should share. Robert and Edna’s connection is unique, everyone hopes to have and share with a partner in life. Edna and Alcée’s relationship compares to nothing more than a time of pleasure to Edna. If Edna discontinues her marriage to Léonce and continue her relations with Robert, in her time she would be highly frowned upon. In times today, it is common for families to divide, because the feelings between the couple have changed. Edna is a confident, independent woman, with her own mindset and should follow her

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