Spangler writes in his essay, “Mrs. The story of Edna Pontellier is the one which is problematic, as one follows the character from the beginning of the story to the end. He has not had the same kind of awakening as she has, and as a man, he does not have to struggle against the social limitations that Edna finds so unbearable. In Kate Chopins novel The Awakening the constant boundaries and restrictions placed on Edna Pontellier by society will lead to her struggle for freedom and her ultimate suicide. However, the use of this in Chopin’s story creates a very powerful reaction within the reader. Edna’s new life in independency seems to be going well especially after Robert had returned from Mexico. Suicide was one of the outcomes I’d predicted – I came to see there were two ways it could go: Edna capitulating and giving in, going back to being a mother, or ending her life. Chopin asks her reader to believe in an Edna, who is completely defeated by the loss of Robert, to believe in the paradox of a woman who has awakened to passional life and yet, quietly, almost thoughtlessly, chooses death.” It took me a few minutes to process the ending of The Awakening. Edna spends her life, since the awakening, questioning the world around her and within her, so why not remain questioning to the end? The Awakening ends tragically for Edna. Adele chooses a bonbon as she banters with Robert. Adele does not appear in the novel until Chapter Four. Awakening Project AP Lit 10/8/13 Edna’s Moral Option Edna’s death after her “ awakening ” was not necessary because there are other ways for Edna to suffer from her sinful actions. I found it very powerful. Suicide should never be an option. In "The Awakening", Edna is fascinated by the musical poet's repertoire, and is forced to confront the spectral presence of an existential yearning for something else … Subsequently, one may also ask, how does Edna die in the awakening? Introduction A read through the book by Kate Chopin, The Awakening, leaves one with many questions, especially when they are through to the 7th chapter. She and Edna hang out at Edna’s cottage while Adele works on sewing a pair of winter night drawers for one of her children. Her husband Leonce Pontellier, the current women of society, and the Grand Isle make it … Another day, Adele and Edna go to the beach together. Thus, Edna’s awakening in Grand Isle leads to her suicide. He is not reacting against anything, and as such, he has a little more clairvoyance. The childhood memory that dominates the last scene is a memory that returns from the first part of the novel. The remaining question for the reader is: Does Edna’s suicide show that she succeeded or failed in her struggle for independence? Edna does intend to commit suicide. The various transformation of Edna learns of new ideas such as freedom and independence while vacationing in Grand Isle. I couldn’t not analyse it; here is my explanation. She succumbs to the pressures of the ocean, much like her succumbing to the pressures of her life and expected role as a mother-woman. Faced with a choice to conform to society’s expectations or to obey personal desires for independence, Edna Pontellier realizes that either option will result in dissatisfaction. Edna commits suicide because she realizes that there is no place in this world for a woman who asserts her erotic needs and her independence from society. April 27, 2016. In that sense, art does play a pivotal role in her emotional and personal awakening but Edna hardly represents the archetypal artist. The Awakening” the protagonist Edna commits suicide. While Edna is willing to risk all, at least at that moment, Robert is not willing to let her do so. Posted by theawakeningbykatechopin on April 25, 2016. Adèle’s conversation reminds Edna of the romantic dreams and fantasies of her youth, and Edna gradually begins to uncover the desires that had been suppressed for so many years. Death by Drowning: Edna’s End. Although Adèle’s behavior represents that which is expected of Edna, the effect of … An evaluation of the role of music in Edna's life requires a comparison of her two friends, both musicians who play for her: Madame Ratignolle and Mademoiselle Reisz.