Kate Chopin's "The Awakening"

Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, focuses on the revolt of the main character, Edna Pontellier, against her role and position in society. As Edna awakens to her body, her senses, and her role as a woman in late nineteenth century America, she begins to challenge societal "laws" and traditions. Not only does she neglect her obligations to friends and family, but also she ignores society's expectations of her as a woman of wealth and stature.
Edna senses the forces that ultimately drive her to the sea after a disagreement with her husband, Leonce, early in the novel. When Leonce demands that Edna come in from outside to retire, Edna begins to understand that he regards her as an object of possession. Though Edna refuses to appease her husband "an indescribable oppression, which seemed to generate in some unfamiliar part of her consciousness, filled her whole being with a vague anguish." Edna, however, does not yet realize she is awakening. "A certain light [will begin] to dawn dimly w...