Conformity In Kate Chopin's The Awakening

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The feeling of conformity is never far from any teenager’s or adult’s mind. There is an idea in society today that in order to conform and fit in, someone has to look a certain way or complete certain activities. Each person comes to a point where they feel lost, lonely, and confined. They do not feel as if they are a priority. Similar to those in today’s society, Edna Pontellier feels confined and as if she can not express herself. The Awakening by Kate Chopin follows Mrs. Pontellier during her summer spent at Grand Isle and the following time she spends at her home in New Orleans. At Grand Isle, Edna experiences an illuminating moment when she swims extremely far out into the water. This realization in the novel by Chopin functions as a “casement” by showing that women are not confined, do not need to conform to society, and are free to express themselves. Edna’s moment of realization comes to her at a very unique time. She …show more content…
He is seriously concerned for her mental health. He believes that she is losing herself, yet he does not understand that Edna is finally becoming her true self. He has to make a business trip and invites Edna, but he does not push her to come or change. He does not encourage her to do anything. He leaves her by herself in a time where she is just learning how to live. Edna becomes involved with another man, moves into a smaller house, and takes back up her artistic endeavors. Mr. Pontellier truly does not what is going on for his wife or how to “fix” her. He is only concerned with making money and keeping up his reputation for him and his family. He wants everyone to know that he is still well-off, but he wants no one to know about his wife. He wants her to continue to do her Tuesday call days to keep up connections and her reputation as a housewife, but Edna will not conform to her husband’s

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