Set in 1899 , My independent reading book The Awakening by Kate Chopin is a controversial, yet empowering story of a woman who let nothing get in the way of her personal discoveries. Although at times can be seen as negative due to some of the activity, the big idea is something admirable.
Book – Edna Pontellier is a married woman with two children. A woman known for being outspoken, Edna takes a vacation to an island, where she becomes interactive with a man named Robert. At first, Robert is very affectionate, but soon Robert abruptly moves and Edna realizes she has fallen in love with him. When Edna return homes to her husband and family, she ultimately decides that she is not satisfied with this life she is living and decides to start living for herself instead of others. She distances herself, doesn’t return interaction with others, and even went as far as moving into her own home when her husband leaves for business. In her own home, she engages with another man, Alcée Arobin but soon realize he was nothing but something for her spare time. Edna still loves Robert dearly after all, and although their first act of reuniting after time was extremely awkward, they eventually confess their love for each other. When Edna leaves Robert’s side to visit a sick friend, she returns to find him gone and a letter left saying goodbye. The book closes with Edna back on the Islandwhere she drowns to her death.
Head- Living in modern day, some of the situations in this novel made me question, were there woman really like this during this time ? Infidelity is extremely frowned upon which is why reading about it can sometimes make me uncomfortable, but I also had to realize that Edna did not see any of her actions in this light. Edna believed she was fulfilling her life’s purpose which may lead her to believe that everything she did although not right, was worth it. Also her lack of care for her children made me surprised as these days most people put their children first unless its extreme circumstances (which I didn’t think Edna’s situation was that extreme).
Heart – Something that did inspire me in this novel was the way Edna put herself and her happiness before everything else. Mepersonally, being someone who puts other first was inspired by her careless thinking and how it would effect others. The overall picture of putting and loving yourself first is a takeaway from this novel that I hope to pursue within my everyday life.
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