Each summer, Robert “constitutes himself the devoted attendant of some fair dame or damsel,” but always chooses women who are safe-either girls who are too young to marry or matrons.Įdna does not fit in with the Grand Isle crowd. Robert prefers the company of women, choosing to spend the long summer afternoons reading to the married ladies and playing with their children, rather than pursuing the more manly endeavors of working in the city or socializing at the local men's club. He invites Robert to join him, but the younger man declines the invitation, choosing instead to remain with Edna. After some bantering between Robert and Edna about their trip to the beach, which Léonce does not find amusing, Léonce leaves for his club to play billiards. As Léonce sits on the porch, his wife returns from the beach with Robert Lebrun, the son of the resort owner. Léonce is a self-important man who accepts as his due the deference of others to his perceived superiority. The action begins as Léonce Pontellier, the husband of the novel's protagonist, Edna Pontellier, sits on the porch of his cottage reading his day-old newspaper. Grand Isle is populated by well-to-do families escaping the blistering New Orleans heat. The Awakening opens at the summer resort of Grand Isle, a small hotel located fifty miles off of the coast of New Orleans. The feminist movement lauds Chopin's portrayal of Edna and the restraints tradition places on women. Although there was some praise for the novel's artistry and insight, critics generally denounced Chopin for her failure to condemn Edna's actions and for allowing Edna to make her final choice in life.Īs evidenced by the many reprints of the book, modern critics appreciate Chopin's skill and artistry-particularly her use of psychological realism, symbolic imagery, and sensual themes. Louis Fine Arts Club expelled Chopin from its membership.

The book was removed from library shelves in Kate Chopin's hometown of St. Stone and Company published The Awakening in 1899. While this plot is common by today's standards, it caused a huge commotion when Herbert S. When she returns to the city, Edna throws off the trappings of her old life-devotion to family, attention to societal expectations, and adherence to tradition-to explore independence in love, life, and sexual fulfillment. Moonlit walks and intimate conversations with Robert spark feelings that Edna has forgotten. While the family is vacationing at a seaside resort, Edna becomes acquainted with Robert Lebrun, a younger man who pays special attention to her. At the start of the story, Edna is a young mother of two and the life of a successful New Orleans businessman. The Awakening tells the story of Edna Pontellier and the changes that occur in her thinking and lifestyle as the result of a summer romance.

Grand isle the awakening