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The Awakening

Contents

The Author
Brief Synopsis
Characters
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Themes - Rebirth
Themes - Birds
Themes - Victorian Women
Questions for Study  

 


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CHAPTER 36

Summary

Eventually, Edna and Robert meet in a garden caf' on the outskirts of New Orleans. Again Robert appears to be uncomfortable in her company, but he decides to stay. Edna displays her annoyance with Robert over his neglect, accusing him of being inconsiderate of her feelings. He becomes angry and tells her that there is no point to their relationship as she cannot never be his.

The pair then leaves the caf' garden and return to Edna's pigeon house, and Edna makes a bold move by kissing Robert. Robert, unable to hold himself back any longer, returns her kiss passionately. He admits to Edna that he had traveled to Mexico in order to escape his feelings for her, but he was not successful.

He tells her that he dreamt that they could be married but knows that his dream can never materialize. She tells him that she no longer belongs to L'once and they could certainly be together. This comment shocks Robert. The pair part with Edna assuring Robert that she loves only him.

Interpretation

There has been a considerable change in Edna while Robert was in Mexico. She makes it clear to him that she is now self-sufficient and no longer a possession of L'once.

Chopin describes an old, old situation where a holiday romance can somehow not have quite the same sparkle when you get back home. Robert has not seen Edna in the New Orleans environment, but only on holiday at Grand Isle. Whereas on Grand Isle he was encouraged by the flirtatious behavior of the Creole women, he is now back in the more formal New Orleans Victorian society.

Again Edna is disappointed that Robert cannot fully appreciate her new self-imposed standing. She had thought he would have gladly accepted her new status, but he responds with a shocked reaction. Showing much boldness, Edna attempts to break the ice and kisses Robert, and he finally lets his guard slip, and responds. However, the shine on their relationship is beginning to diminish because Robert hints that he still considers Edna to be Leonce's property.

 

 




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