Novels that are written by distinct authors in distinct time periods can possess many
             resemblance's and discrepancies. For example, Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora
             Neale Hurston and The Awakening by Kate Chopin, both express the struggle of a
             woman's emancipation from everyday societal challenges. Both authors firmly suggest
             examples of how two women coming from contrasting cultures can harbor the same
             intrigue and fascinations. Although in different time periods both works convey similar
             messages. Hurston places her main character in a predominantly segregated time period
             while Chopin chooses a more eloquent period of American luxury and aristocratic
             fashion. The story of how temptations, lifestyles, and influences upon women cause their
             true personalities and devotions to arise and corrupt their normal existence is clearly
             Both works represent how little influence women have over their own lives.
             However, other aspects of their lives can completely take control of their surroundings.
             Men, for example, dominate the lives of both women. The Awakening has Edna
             Pontellier, well-to-do wife of Leonce Pontellier leading a peaceful but restless life while
             vacationing at the beach. She soon realizes her true love for Robert Lebrun, the son of
             the woman who owns the resort. Unfortunately, she is married and feels total devotion to
             her children, while Robert disappears for some time in search of his own calling. A
             passionate whirlwind of thoughts and self-realizations bring Edna closer to abandoning
             her past lifestyle for one in which she has control over. While, Leonce and the children
             are away, an ambitious Alcee Arobin moves in on the home front. He captures Edna's
             attention with his unmistakable charm and attempts to seduce her as well. The
             relationship dissipates as Edna's true friend, Mademoiselle Reisz, nonchalantly brings
             Edna and Robert to cross each oth...