Kate Chopin's novel The Awakening relates the emotion-driven story of Edna Pontellier. Her story is a happy one. Not because of some typical fairy tale ending where they all live happily ever after, but in that she accomplished her goal in life. She never "sacrificed herself for her children." (p. 115) Edna Pontellier remained an individual. The music that was brought to her by Mademoiselle Reisz stirred up a deeper meaning in Edna's life. This is the point at which she feels her new being forming. In the end, not only did she realized that her new life had no place in this world, but that she would be happier in the sea, where there were no restrictions placed on her and the possibilities could be endless. She achieved her goal of being a free spirit through her death.
             Both Robert and Edna are in love with each other, and both know that with the societal constraints that a romance could never be possible. Still with the combination of Mademoiselle Reisz's music and a newfound love for Robert, Edna starts the "Awakening." An amazing transformation takes place in Edna throughout the course of a few months. The people with whom she interacts and the culture in which she is submersed play a significant role in her "awakening." Edna is able to break away from the restraining world of Adele and Leonce in which she will never find her place. Stirred by the magic and intrigue of Mademoiselle Reisz's world, she finds the strength to reach for that which is real for her, and she allows her true being to shine.
             To Mrs. Pontellier, "the children appeared before her like antagonists who had overcome her; who had overpowered her into the soul's slavery for the rest of her days." This is the complete opposite of what she wanted her relationship with her children to be. She was willing to do anything for her children, except give her self up for them. Her individua
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