When faced with the question of "which novel did I have the greatest reaction to this semester?", the first story that came to mind was The Awakening. Although written from the perspective of a woman, I found that this story rendered my greatest emotional appeal. It is a story of a woman, Edna Pontellier, who transforms herself from an obedient housewife to a person who is alive with strength of character and emotions that she no longer has to suppress. The metamorphosis is shaped by her surroundings. It is the narrow minded view of society in Victorian times that makes this story possible. Just as her behavior is more shocking and horrifying because of her position in society, it is that very position which causes her to feel restrained and makes her want to rebel against convention. Is Edna truly "awakened" at the end of the story?
             A typical Victorian woman maintained her sphere which deemed "women's personal lives center around home, husband, and children."(Bonner, 26) Women were supposed to accept this position in the home happily and be satisfied. It never satisfied Edna, who always seemed out of place when with other woman. She
             was a wife and mother, but not a typical Victorian wife and mother. With regards to her children,"Their absence was sort of relief...It seemed to free her of a responsibility which she blindly assumed and for which fate had not fitted her"(Chopin,18).Even early on, she reveals ideas uncommon to Victorian society. She tries to maintain her roles, but it is very difficult to her.
             The person who Edna truly admires the most is Mademoiselle Reiz, who is a brilliant artist and pianist. Mademoiselle Reiz is widely misunderstood because she is an eccentric, bold and does not conform to the traditional role of a woman in Victorian society. It her music that touches Edna. Edna claimed that something inside her stirred and she felt alive like she had never felt before(Chopin). It is at this mo
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