Edna Pontellier Main protagonist who, while in a passionless marriage to Leonce Pontellier, falls in love with Robert Lebrun and has a brief affair with Alcee Arobin. A member of New Orleans’ upper class, she has artistic leanings. Leonce Pontellier Edna’s husband, a successful and materialistic businessman. Robert Lebrun Charismatic […]
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Introduction The Awakening has enjoyed a strange success: At the time of its publication, critics condemned the novel for its heroine’s unrepentant drive for independence and emotional, sexual, and spiritual awakening. Although contrary to legend it was never a banned book, the novel fell into obscurity for 70 years. Read […]
Read more About The AwakeningBook Summary
The Awakening explores one woman’s desire to find and live fully within her true self. Her devotion to that purpose causes friction with her friends and family, and also conflicts with the dominant values of her time. Edna Pontellier’s story takes place in 1890s Louisiana, within the upper-class Creole society. […]
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