In Kate Chopin's "The Awakening," Edna Pontellier, the protagonist, is searching for her identity for most of the novel. Her identity is defined by the awakening of her soul; not only her soul, but also the awakening of her social life, spiritual life, sexuality, and her role in society. Edna transforms herself from an obedient housewife to a person who is alive with strength of character and emotions which she no longer has to repress. This transformation is shaped by her surroundings. Her behavior is more shocking and horrifying because of her position in society, it is that position which causes her to feel restrained and makes her yearn to rebel. Edna, a wealthy New Orleans housewife, attempts to find the deepest truth about herself by conforming to society's norms. She marries a well-respected man, Leonce, and bears him children. However, Edna discovers that she wants more out of life; something about her marriage is not allowing her to achieve fulfillment. Through her relationships, confrontations, and conflicts with other characters, Edna discovers that her deepest truth is her need for independence from those that hold her back and she honors her deepest truth by exerting the power of her individuality. Leonce Pontellier, Mademoiselle Reisz, Robert Lebrun, and Alcee Arobin cause Edna's awakenings.
             Leonce Pontellier, Edna's husband, is the main cause of Edna's transformation because Edna feels as if she is being restricted to the outside world. Leonce does not treat Edna bad at all, but he refuses to let her be an individual. She is not even allowed to leave the house without permission. Mr. Pontellier "[looks] at his wife as one looks at a valuable piece of personal property which has suffered some damage."(pg. 44). This lets the reader know that Leonce does not see his wife as an individual. He feels as if he owns her at all times and Edna does not like that idea. Edna realizes that "[h]er marriage to Leonce Po...