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.