Leonce, Robert, Arobin

In the Awakening Edna’s lack of love in her life is clearly evident. Throughout the novel Edna starts with no love, to infatuation, to what she was sure was true love. There was multiple instances of love present, but each, and the final, failed.

Edna and Leonce relationship was far from perfect, even nonexistent. She always did what was expected of her in her wifely ways, but still was met with dissatisfaction in her husband's eyes. He found ownership in her, rather than the equality that Edna was longing for.

“‘You are burnt beyond recognition,’ he added, looking at his wife as one looks at a valuable piece of personal property which has suffered some damage” (Chopin, Chapter 1).

Their relationship was never satisfactory and the love that she felt for him was merely just on the surface. This life was the one society set for her, rather than the one she craved.

And then came Alcee Arobin, a man contrasting to the life she was living at present. His love was not true either, but it was important to Edna in that it showed her tangible love even though this love was not the kind she was searching for either.

“‘I'm jealous of your thoughts tonight. They're making you a little kinder than usual; but some way I feel as if they were wandering, as if they were not here with me.’ She only looked at him and smiled. His eyes were very near. He leaned upon the lounge with an arm extended across her, while the other hand still rested upon her hair. They continued silently to look into each other's eyes. When he leaned forward and kissed her, she clasped his head, holding his lips to hers.

It was the first kiss of her life to which her nature had really responded. It was a flaming torch that kindled desire” (Chopin, Chapter 27)

This was something that was foreign between her and her husband. This affair was very important to her individuality. This time was the precursor to Robert coming. Arobin’s was also important in the choices Edna made after he left. She decided to move to a smaller, less desirable house. This is key because Edna is deciding to give up her material possessions to get the most out of being an individual.

Lasty, came Robert Lebrun. Ironically it was the person with the most character, this character is what would make it impossible to have Robert as her own. He didn’t want to be with an already married woman.

“‘You have been a very, very foolish boy, wasting your time dreaming of impossible things when you speak of Mr. Pontellier setting me free! I am no longer one of Mr. Pontellier's possessions to dispose of or not. I give myself where I choose. If he were to say, 'Here, Robert, take her and be happy; she is yours,' I should laugh at you both.’

His face grew a little white. ‘What do you mean?’ he asked” (Chopin, Chapter 36).

His self-power and class both attracted Edna and drove her to her doom. She felt she could never obtain what Robert was. Robert is the basis of “the awakening”, moreover Edna’s feelings for him. She awakens from the illusions of life and sees it for what it truly is.