Response to the Awakening

In "the awakening" by Kate Chopin is a story which talks about a woman who struggled in life in order to live as a life as a traditional wife and mother and independent as well. The woman's name is Edna Pontellier. Edna was so uncomfortable in a state that she felt as being trapped in a family that she seems to be a burden. She was a mother of two young boys. She was bored with her normal life as a housewife. She was bold, and had only male friends and did even spend much time with her children and husband as well. After reading the story, I realized that Edna was selfish, never bothered to think about her family (children and husband) and anybody else except herself and the things that she wants alone.

Centuries past when women were not allowed to be independent, she stood up and proved to them that women are capable of doing things on their own without the help of men. Though Edna was bold, and independent, but I realized that her behavior was an opposite of who a true mother and wife is supposed to be. Most women in this twenty-first century era manage a household and work full-time as well. Some women even go to the extent of working and schooling and go around the clock to be a responsible wife and mother. Not all women have the opportunity to be loved by their husbands as Edna's husband does. Edna's husband loves her even though his wife was an absolute opposite.

Edna is always thinking about herself. Though she is beautiful but she is disrespectful. She takes pride in herself believing that she is beautiful and smart. She thinks of herself too much. Everybody has an issue to deal with which most people's issues are even more important than Edna is always thinking of her own issue. She has no financial issues, reliable husband and caring a s well and no problems with her husband.

Edna was in love with Robert even though she is married. After Robert leaves for Mexico, Edna thinks of him constantly every day. When Robert left for Mexico, Edna perceives Robert as the perfect man. When Robert returns she realized that he is not the perfect man as she thought. In my point of view, she does not really love Robert but she is obsessed with him because when he longs for her she is uninterested. I can see Edna is just finding some way to have difference in her life and need some changes in her life. When Robert is not there, Edna wants him because she needs him to have a relationship with him. How on earth can a married woman have a relationship with someone? I might think differently but it is not right.

I think there is more to it in this story. I see Edna to be self-centered and think about herself. Come to realize that this is not a problem that Edna has but it applies to everybody. No does not think about himself or herself first before thinking of others. It is human nature but sometimes it is carried to an extent that it is overbearing.