Realism

     In reading the final chapters of The Awakening, it began to feel like less of a novel written by a realist, and more of one written by a romanticist. Edna was finally getting her way and beginning to feel free. She had a private romantic talk with Robert where she says "Now you are here and we shall love each other my Robert.We shall be everything to each other. Nothing else in  this world is of any consequence." (Chopin 147) The whole scene seems a bit romanticized and things seem to be going too well for her. However, this was just a setup by Chopin to deliver the dose of realism that would have been missing without it. Edna presumably kills herself by drowning. Many people as I've read do not like this ending. They complain that it's too abrupt and that things were finally starting to work for Edna. BUT THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT REALISM IS ABOUT. This is the same type of realism Chopin uses in The Story of an Hour. I personally found the ending interesting for what it is, and that is a realistic, not-so-happy ending. However, I am curious as to what Mr. Pontillier's and Robert's reaction, respectively, to the news of Edna's death would be. I believe Robert would still move on next summer and pry on another married woman. The Awakening has been an interesting novel, and an excellent example of realism. Maybe this is how Edna went out...