The Awakening - A critical analysis

Edna’s “awakening” begins with her growing friendship with Madame Ratignolle. Madame Ratignolle, the epitome of an elegant woman of the times, somehow evokes Edna’s innermost repressed desires and starts her process of setting them free. Perhaps Madame Ratignolle’s happiness in the system, in her position, made Edna long to unleash her own happiness and inner peace.
Robert’s attachment to Edna intensifies her longing to be free from her responsibilities as a wife and mother. He befriends her and the two become quite close before the summer comes to a close. His companionship makes her feel more independent of her husband, for she seems to spend more time confiding in Robert than in Leonce, her husband. Madame Ratignolle realizes that it’s dangerous for Robert to attach himself to Edna like he has done to so many women. She knows that Edna needs no encouragement or temptation to follow her rebellious desires. Robert distracts Edna from her children, husband, and social ob...