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.