In "The Awakening," the phrase "outward life which conforms, and the inward life which questions" refers to the conflict between societal expectations and personal desires. Edna Pontellier's outward life conforms to societal norms as a wife and mother, but inwardly, she questions this role, seeking independence and fulfillment. Her inner self, driven by artistic and sensual pursuits, clashes with societal expectations, leading to her eventual realization and tragic end.

Mademoiselle Reisz's quote reflects the theme of individualism in The Awakening. It suggests that to transcend societal norms, one must possess great strength, both internally and intellectually. This relates to Edna's struggle for independence and self-identity, as she attempts to break free from traditional roles. The imagery of birds symbolizes her aspirations and eventual downfall, foreshadowing Edna's failure due to societal pressures and personal limitations, as seen in the novel's conclusion.

The term "mother-woman" in The Awakening refers to the ideal role of women in Creole society, where a woman's identity is inseparable from her duties as a mother and homemaker. This concept oppresses Edna, who desires independence through pursuits like art and swimming, unlike Adele, who embraces her role. Edna's struggle against this societal expectation highlights her internal conflict and ultimately leads to her tragic decision to escape through death.

Edna's struggle is highlighted by the contrast between her self-perception and how others view her, symbolized by her swimming experience. She feels independent and daring, yet her husband sees her unchanged. Her discontent grows when societal expectations clash with her evolving identity, evidenced by her rebellion against social norms and questioning lifelong conformity. This perceived split signifies her awakening and the internal conflict between societal roles and personal freedom.

The theme of individuality versus community in The Awakening is explored through Edna Pontellier's struggle to assert her personal identity and desires against societal constraints. As Edna seeks self-discovery and independence, she confronts social norms that restrict women's roles to wives and mothers. Her journey highlights the conflict between personal fulfillment and societal expectations, ultimately leading to her tragic realization that her individuality cannot coexist within her community's confines.

Conflict in "The Awakening" is highlighted in Chapter 11 when Edna defies her husband's request to come inside, choosing instead to remain in the hammock. The passage describes her realization of newfound willpower: "She perceived that her will had blazed up, stubborn and resistant." This marks a significant external conflict with societal norms, as Edna's awakening leads her to challenge her traditional roles as wife and mother, questioning her past subservience.

Edna struggles with the Creole customs of male dominance and the expectation for women to be perfect mothers and social ornaments, reflecting well on their husbands. She feels constrained by these roles and lacks the skills of her Creole peers. Her husband, a typical Creole man, treats her as property, exemplified when he scolds her for sunburn. Additionally, Edna finds it difficult to adapt to the open, superficial flirtations prevalent in Creole society.

The text uses clothing to symbolize Edna's rebellion against Victorian norms by contrasting her attire with that of other characters. For example, while Adele's pure white clothing signifies her adherence to societal expectations, Edna's dress, with a subtle line of brown, indicates her deviation from these norms. Additionally, Edna's sunburn and lack of clothing highlight her rejection of being her husband's property, further emphasizing her resistance to traditional roles.

Foil characters and symbolism in The Awakening highlight themes of freedom, societal norms, and self-discovery. Mademoiselle Reisz and Adèle Ratignolle serve as foils to Edna Pontellier, illustrating her struggle between artistic ambition and traditional roles. Mademoiselle Reisz's artistic independence contrasts with Adèle's domesticity, while Edna fails to fully embrace either path. Symbolically, the sea represents Edna's ultimate quest for freedom and rebirth, culminating in her final act of defiance against societal expectations.

Edna is a woman who has been abused by her husband. She is very aware of the way she looks and seems to act out of character. She uses her money to buy nice things and instead of giving it to her husband, she buys it for herself. She also goes out on her own at night where she is free to do whatever she wants. Her husband, Robert, realizes how unhappy his wife has become but still doesn't know what to do about it. He is taken aback when he sees Edna in a new light after they go on vacation together with friends from town.