The Awakening
In Kate Chopin?s novel, The Awakening, Edna Pontellier, the main character, has three important men in her life. All of whom she looks at differently and has different emotions for. Throughout her life Edna feels the need for attention from all men. This explains why she marries Leonce Pontellier, her deep feelings for Robert Leburn, and her sexual affairs with Alcee Arobin.
Because her husband spends most of his time away from home on business trips, Edna is left with a great deal of time for herself. Leonce spends little time worrying about family matters. He constantly criticizes Edna and only cares about money and his own reputation. Edna knows she need to be with Leonce for his financial support and stability. Edna is not sure if she is in love with him or if she has ever been. She slowly grows to despise Leonce.
Robert Leburn, with whom Edna falls in love with, has a history of being very close to married women. With Edna his feelings are different. He is
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