The Awakening Post #1

After reading chapters one through seven of the book “The Awakening”, I have come to discover that the main character is going through a sort of internal conflict. The main character, Mrs. Pontellier, yet a kind woman, was not a “mother-woman” (Chopin 51). She had been delegated the position of raising children and taking care of her husband, for which she did not truly want. As presented multiple times in the story so far, Mrs. Pontellier clearly had not fit in with the conventional life of the Creole community, though she was quite aware of her standing. “Mrs. Pontellier was beginning to realize her position in the universe as a human being, and to recognize her relations as an individual to the world within and about her.” (Chopin 57). This quote shows that Mrs. Pontellier is aware of her surroundings and social standing, or is at least willing to give it thought. Also quoted from Chopin, (56) “Edna Pontellier could not have told why, wishing to go to the beach with Robert, she should in the first place have declined, and in the second place have followed in obedience to one of the two contradictory impulses which impelled her.” Edna had given in to one of her conflicts. This conflict had been a question of a friendship with Robert, or her children. Not positive why, Edna had chosen her friend over her children. This is yet another example of her struggle not being a “mother-woman” living the life of one.