Gender Roles and Women’s Rights 

The Awakening deals with concepts related to feminism and women’s rights. Throughout the novel, Edna Pontellier becomes increasingly aware of her role in society and how she is treated as a woman. In realizing this, Edna begins to fight against societal norms, such as women being restricted to the domestic sphere as devoted mothers and wives. Edna first breaks from these traditional gender roles after her “awakening” on Grand Isle. During her stay there, she sees herself as a woman with a place in the universe and comes to view her husband and children as constraints upon her freedom. Upon returning with her family to New Orleans, she challenges societal norms by refusing to limit herself to the private sphere as she once did. Instead she goes out when she wishes, paints more often, and explores her newfound individuality and freedom. 

She separates herself from the private sphere even further when she sells her paintings. By engaging in business as an artist, Edna places herself in the public sphere and actively works to make money for herself. In the Gilded Age, women were expected to be purely devoted to their husbands and children. However, Edna does not want to give herself completely to her family, unlike her close friend Adèle. 

In terms of sexuality, Edna rejects the pure idealization of Gilded Age women and explores her own sexual desires with Robert Lebrun and Alcée Arobin. Edna’s affair with Alcée helps her understand and explore sexual desire that is devoid of love. Even though she does not feel anything for Alcée, her relationship with him helps her understand her physical needs and impulses. Overall, Edna’s efforts to gain autonomy, respect, and understanding reflect the need for increased women’s rights and the desire for independence.

Individuality Versus Convention

Southern society at the turn of the 20th century adhered to strict gender norms, but the theme of individuality woven throughout The Awakening places itself in direct contrast to these conventions. For example, the individualistic Edna is different from other characters like Léonce and Adèle in that her awakening prompts her to become autonomous and independent. In contrast to Edna, who wishes for genuine love, Léonce views his marriage to Edna as a business transaction. To fulfill societal expectations, Léonce expects his wife to act in specific ways in order to uphold his social standing. When Edna becomes independent and buys her own home, Léonce only worries about how it will affect his reputation. Similarly, when Edna refuses to stay at home and entertain visitors, Léonce worries about how this will offend the guests. Lastly, Léonce expects Edna to be the kind of woman who gives herself fully to her children and to him—but Edna is unable to do so. 

• Adèle is another character who adheres to convention instead of individuality. When Edna tells the truth about how she feels about Léonce and her children, Adèle warns Robert to stay away from Edna. After Edna buys her own home, Adèle expresses disapproval and is unable to understand why Edna would want to live independently. Adèle embodies the ideal Gilded Age mother and wife, encouraging Edna to conform to the social norms that her awakening has led her to despise.

Edna is mostly alone in her outlook on womanhood, save for her friend Mademoiselle Reisz. Mademoiselle Reisz is an independent woman and musician, who many dislike because of her supposedly disagreeable nature. Yet it is more likely that others ostracize her because of her penchant for individuality. In breaking convention, Reisz and Edna face prejudice, disapproval, and ostracization. Despite all this, Edna and Reisz form a strong friendship with one another and find liberation in their individuality. It is only when Edna realizes that societal convention will always prevent her from being her own person that she decides to take her own life rather than conform. 

Action Versus Reflection 

Edna Pontellier shifts from an introspective and reserved woman to one who acts for herself. Self-reflection as a theme in The Awakening points to the role of the Gilded Age woman as reserved and conformist. Reflection becomes a point of rebellion for Edna as it helps her understand her place in the world and the constraints upon her. She is able to think private, independent thoughts, eventually leading her to become a woman of action. Midway through the novel, Edna begins to act on her needs and desires instead of simply reflecting upon them. 

• For example, Edna exhibits action by changing her routine at home; she stops waiting at home to entertain visitors and goes out whenever she wishes instead. She also seeks out Mademoiselle Reisz, begins painting, and has an affair with Alcée Arobin. 

Edna’s most important action, however, is buying her own home. She creates independence for herself by owning her own space. Edna’s final action is to return to Grand Isle, where she takes her own life. Many of the actions that Edna takes in the novel are efforts to control her life circumstances. However, even though Edna becomes an active woman who takes control of her life, there are still many factors that are beyond her control like her marriage, her children, and Robert Lebrun. 

Though Edna’s apparent suicide at the end of the novel is a source of contention, it can be read as Edna’s final commitment to living an active, autonomous life rather than returning to her stifled, introspective, pre-awakening existence.

Flesh vs. Spirit

Edna's reawakening of long-suppressed emotions drives her pursuit of freedom, self-expression, and love. Her connection with Robert Lebrun rekindles forgotten physical desires and prompts Edna to reevaluate her existence. For the first time, she begins to open up to others, sharing personal thoughts with Robert Lebrun and Adèle Ratignolle and becoming moved by Mlle. Reisz's music. She learns to swim, experiencing the profound link between mind and body. Ultimately, she acknowledges her feelings for Robert and realizes she can take control of her own life. The transformation in Edna results from a union of flesh and spirit.

Freedom

Edna's awakening at the Grand Isle marks the start of her journey towards personal freedom. She understands that she wants to live beyond the roles of wife and mother. Upon returning to New Orleans, she refuses to sleep with her husband and gradually distances herself from social obligations that only matter to her husband and his social standing. Eventually, she moves out and rents her own place. Free from societal expectations, Edna supports herself through her painting and chooses her own social circles. She relishes the freedom of exploring the city independently, discovering new places, and noticing people she would have previously ignored. For Edna, freedom is defined by choice.

Sexism

As Edna acknowledges her personal desires and aspirations, she becomes aware of the double standards between men and women. While no one questions Robert's attention to Edna, people would be scandalized by Edna's feelings for him. Adèle, for instance, is shocked and cautions Edna to protect her reputation. It was unthinkable for a woman to have her own desires or to pursue anything beyond managing her household and attending social events. Meanwhile, men engaged in extramarital affairs, followed their business and personal interests, and enjoyed the liberty to do as they pleased. For example, Léonce is unconcerned about Robert's relationship with his wife but is so disturbed by Edna's behavior that he believes she is having a nervous breakdown and consults the family doctor. The roles of Edna, Robert, and Léonce in the story highlight the injustice of sexism and the suppression of individual freedom it causes.

Search for Self

Edna's spiritual and physical awakenings signal her quest for self-discovery. While Léonce perceives her behavior as a form of temporary madness, Edna understands that she is uncovering her desire to break free from societal constraints. In her journey to find herself, she first asserts her independence by refusing sexual relations with her husband. She then explores her creative side by rekindling her interest in painting. She examines her role as a mother and her connections with others to understand her relational self. Ultimately, she embraces her sensuality by allowing herself to experience and act on her desires. Edna successfully identifies who she is but realizes that the cost of maintaining her own identity is too high.

Choices and Consequences: Free Will

From the moment she meets Robert, Edna becomes aware that every choice carries consequences. Staying with Léonce would mean continuing to live a dissatisfied life. Initially, she doesn't fully grasp that she can make choices that lead to different outcomes. When she finally understands this, she experiences an unprecedented sense of freedom. However, this feeling is fleeting. Edna soon discovers that free will comes with responsibilities that are almost as restrictive as her marriage. Her loveless affair with Alcée and Robert's inability to return her love reveal the grim reality of her situation. Regardless of her choices, Edna realizes she can never be completely free within the confines of her society.

Sex

Edna's life choices are largely influenced by her rediscovery of sexual pleasure. Robert's attention causes her to reflect on her life. As a result, she initially withholds sex from her husband. Her unfulfilled love for Robert and her loveless affair with Alcée show her that love and sex are distinct entities. Edna learns that while sex can bring men and women together and provide physical satisfaction, it doesn't necessarily fulfill emotional needs. Ultimately, she finds that the cost of free sex is too high for her to bear.

Alienation and Loneliness

Despite being surrounded by people on the Grand Isle, Edna feels isolated due to her inner thoughts. She believes that by making changes to reflect her true self, she will gain the freedom to make her own choices and connect with like-minded individuals. Sadly, her new friends, though living life on their own terms, are also marginalized by societal norms. Mlle. Reisz exemplifies this. She is a gifted musician who has chosen an unconventional path. Because she is unmarried and lives alone, people consider her eccentric. Few appreciate her music, and even fewer associate with her. Mlle. Reisz finds solace and passion solely in her music. Eventually, Edna experiences a similar loneliness. Enticed by the possibilities, she refuses to abandon her dream of freedom and sacrifice her newfound individuality. Consequently, she isolates herself from society in her quest to forge her own destiny.

Public vs. Private Life

Edna realizes she is dissatisfied with her current life and everything it represents. She is accountable to a husband who expects her to be nothing more than a household manager and caretaker. She must fulfill the social obligations of a devoted wife to a highly respected man. She must present herself as a loving mother to children who demand her constant attention. To maintain this public image, Edna must forgo the intimate pleasures of mutual love, the liberating acts of self-expression and creativity, and the joy of sharing her most private thoughts with friends.

Eventually, Edna grows weary of this charade. She understands that she can no longer ignore her own desires, thoughts, and aspirations. Aware that her new attitude will be challenging to reconcile with her public life, she pursues it with determination. Freed from public expectations, Edna acts on her thoughts.

However, her liberation is short-lived. She discovers that a true union of her public and private selves is impossible. The society she inhabits is too bound by social conventions to accept prolonged nonconformity. The public is not prepared to embrace the private Edna, and Edna is unwilling to conform to public sentiment.