Awakening
By Kate Chopin, this is the story of Edna Pontellier which starts with a family summer holiday by the ocean at Grand Isle near New Orleans. She is unhappily married to wealthy businessman Leonce Pontellier and they have two young children. They are staying at an inn run by the Lebrun family. She is surrounded by women from New Orleans and their children who are being cared for by nannies. Robert Lebrun, the son of the owner is quite smitten with Edna but she seems unaware of his feelings until he departs for Mexico, she realizes how much she misses him.
The tone of the story is languid as the days are spent lounging on the beach, eating and talking with friends.
When the family returns to the city Edna undergoes a transition as she realizes the she is very unhappy in her marriage. Her mood is dark and she wants to be her own person and do things her own way. Leonce is troubled by her mood and suggests she see a doctor. Before he leaves on a long business trip to New York, he transfers his sons to his mother’s farm as a precaution. She very much enjoys her freedom while alone in the big house with only her servant. She explores painting and music while expanding her independence from her husband and children. When she realizes real love with Robert and he leaves her, she returns to Grand Isle and swims to her death. ( )