Character Analysis: The Awakening

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Dear Kate Chopin, I have recently read your novel, The Awakening. Though I can agree that your word choice and writing style is pleasant to read, I believe the lack of sympathetic qualities in the protagonist, Edna Montpellier, undermines the message of the novel. Edna possesses several qualities that make her unlikeable, but the selfishness she demonstrates within her relationships with other characters is the most damaging to the reader’s ability to sympathize with her.
Perhaps the most obvious example of Edna’s selfishness is evident in her relationship with her children. During the time period the novel is set, the caretaking of the children was considered a woman’s responsibility. Responsibility or not, to treat one’s children with enough apathy that they would rather pick themselves up than to cry to their mom, is not a problem with society, but with herself. Her poor treatment of them …show more content…
Though Léonce is driven by his desire to protect his social standing, his actions are far from evil. Both Edna and Léonce have issues pertaining to their gender roles. While Edna could care less about mending their relationship, Léonce goes to the doctor for relationship advice. At the very least, he is demonstrating some concern for his relationship, something Edna could not do. When the doctor visits and asks her what’s trouble her, she says, “I don't want anything but my own way. That is wanting a good deal, of course, when you have to trample upon the lives, the hearts, the prejudices of others--but no matter-still, I shouldn't want to trample upon the little lives.” This is quote is one of the most revealing statements in the novel. She acknowledges that her selfish actions have a negative impact on society’s perceptions of her and the lives of others. When she hurts those who are close to her during the novel, she knows what she is doing is wrong, but continues to do it
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