The Awakening

The Awakening Journey In Kate Chopin's "The Awakening," Edna Pontellier, the protagonist, is searching for her identity for most of the novel. Her identity is defined by the awakening of her soul; not only her soul, but also the awakening of her social life, spiritual life, sexuality, and her role in society. Edna transforms herself from an obedient housewife to a person who is alive with strength of character and emotions which she no longer …

…Alcee's main purpose is to show Edna's transition from a restrained woman to a woman in total control. However, once Alcee and Robert leave (and she leaves her husband), she is all alone once again. This causes her to commit suicide, which brings out a spiritual awakening because her soul and spirit are now free from all the trouble that she is having in the process of living the perfect life (which she never reaches).