Men oppressing women is a reoccurring topic throughout all of history. Men have felt superior to women in mind, body and soul; but many female figures disagree with this notion. This results in either a strong feminine psyche or a very weak one. Strong women believe that they can do whatever men can and more, while feeble minded women believe in the notion of a patriarchal society. In The Awakening by Kate Chopin, the main character explicitly disagrees with the guidelines of society during the year 1899, where men were predominant in the lives of every woman. Edna Pontellier is the female anomaly of the book, but since the book is set in 1899, she is obviously set against male opposition. Three male examples of her oppression are Leonce…show more content… Later in that same paragraph, Chopin says “ And the ladies…all declared that Mr. Pontellier was the best husband in the world. Mrs. Pontellier was forced to admit that she knew of none other.” (7) This shows how Leonce controls her without even being there. His reach is extremely long because of society. Women were expected to live by their men and this is why she was forced to admit he was the best. Using that word also represents her failure to go against the man, literally and figuratively. Another show of defiance by Edna was later in the book on pages 30-32. Leonce arrives to their house and sees Edna on the porch. He is surprised and tells her to come inside, to which Edna refuses. After a swift exchange of words Leonce says “This is more than folly… You must come in the house instantly.”(31) Once again Edna refuses. This is where Leonce’s controlling nature emerges. Leonce goes in and out of the house, smoking cigars and drinking glasses of wine. Naturally after a while Edna gets tired and goes inside, she asks Leonce if he’s coming inside to which he says “Yes dear, just as soon as I have finished my cigar.” (32) The reader can assume…show more content… He is a catalyst for her awakenings, but as a result, turns into an addiction that spins out of control; thus, oppressing Edna and her choices throughout the novel. Every summer Robert chose a new married woman to flirt with, but with no serious intent since they are married women and he respects the conditions of wedlock. But with Edna, Robert actually fell in love. This is hinted at when Chopin says “He never assumed… Mrs. Pontellier.” (11) Robert never played with Edna emotionally like how he played with Adele. He was genuinely in,love with her. But, the hope of finding love and sexual freedom was too ardent within Edna. His love spurs so many emotions that lied dormant; this is Robert’s form of oppression. Then again when Chopin says “He seated himself and rolled a cigarette… first-felt throbbings of desire,” (30) Edna is seduced by him. Her obsession grows and grows and it turns extreme, leading to her realization of the void in her current marriage and in her life. Robert also fans the flame by disregarding her ardor. His lack of acknowledgment towards her inflates her bubble of self-indulgence. An example of this is the exchange by Robert and Edna which states “Write to me… Good-by.” (45) He never does, and that results in Edna wanting him more. Leonce always being there bored her, but Robert’s evasiveness intrigued her and his aura called to her. But the culmination of all this
