The Awakening Ch1-10 Key Events

Symbol of the parrot in Chapter 1

Edna’s sense of confinement and lack of meaningful communication in her marriage.

Léonce's treatment of Edna after returning home (Ch. 3)

He wakes her to discuss his day and complains that she is neglecting their children.

Significance of Edna's crying in Chapter 3

It is her first emotional reaction to her inner dissatisfaction with her marriage.

Role of Madame Ratignolle and Mademoiselle Reisz as foils

Ratignolle represents the nurturing mother-woman; Reisz is an independent artist valuing freedom.

Importance of Robert's behavior with women at Grand Isle

He flirts annually but becomes more serious with Edna.

Edna's differences from Creole women

She is reserved, struggles with her identity, and is uncomfortable with open affection.

Role of Edna’s children in her conflict

They symbolize the expectation that her identity should center around motherhood.

Reason Edna shares her backstory with Madame Ratignolle (Ch. 7)

She reveals her life under societal expectations, including her Kentucky childhood and marriage.

Edna's attraction to Robert

It suggests her longing for love, passion, and freedom absent in her marriage with Léonce.

Effect of Mademoiselle Reisz's piano music on Edna (Ch. 9)

It awakens her emotional and spiritual desires.

Significance of learning to swim (Ch. 10)

It symbolizes Edna's independence and control over her body, her first taste of freedom.

Léonce's reaction to Edna's independence

He is baffled and dismissive, failing to perceive her individuality.

Theme established by the end of Chapter 10

The conflict between female individuality and societal expectations of marriage.