Kate Chopin's, The Awakening, portrays a 19th century woman, Edna Pontellier, who suffers from the ordained roles that society expects from women. The novel commences with the Pontellier family taking a summer vacation to Grande Isle. During the trip Edna is introduced to freedom, which changes her life perspective. A summer romance with Robert Lebrun, a devoted young admirer, provides the spark that ignites Edna's new view of life. Edna feels confined, and as if she does not belong in a world where tradition and status are more important than happiness. Feeling despondent after her return from Grand Isle, Edna boldly abandons her old routine and mundane way of life in favor of independence, love, and happiness. Edna's brave and impulsive actions throughout the novel help her to find her true self, but at the expense of corrupting her moral integrity and marriage. The character of Edna Pontellier...