The Awakening

  • Chapter IX

    Chapter IX
    Edna listens to Mademoiselle Reisz play music. She becomes inspired and feels strong and independent.
  • Chapter X

    Chapter X
    Edna swims for the first time and feels stronger and more independent than ever. She has realized that she would not sacrifice herself for either her children or her husband. She begins to feel defiant and rebellious.
  • Chapter XXVI

    Chapter XXVI
    Edna visits Mademoiselle Reisz that she is leaving her house and moving into the small "pigeon house." This is the first hint of foreshadow that Edna will not be successful in her rebellion against society.
  • Chapter XXVI

    Edna admits for the first time the she loves Robert Lebrun.
  • Chapter XXVII

    Edna has her first "sexual awakening" when she kisses Alcee Arobin. "It was the first kiss of her life to which her nature had really responded. It was a flaming torch that kindled desire."
  • Chapter XXXI

    Edna has an affair with Alcee Arobin while her husband is away.
  • Chapter XXXIII

    Robert Lebrun returns to New Orleans and Edna finally reunites with him. However, Edna continues to have sexual interaction with Alcee.
  • Chapter XXXVI

    Chapter XXXVI
    Robert confesses his love for Edna and admits that his trip to Mexico was an attempt to run from his true feelings for Edna. Edna tells him that they can be together.
  • Chapter XXXVIII

    Robert leaves Edna once again because "he loves her." This breaks Edna's heart and she decides to go to the Grand Isle again.
  • Chapter XXXIX

    Chapter XXXIX
    Edna stands naked before the ocean and claims that she feels like some new-born creature. She then wades far out into the water and passes away.