The Awakening

This book seems to represent the independence of a woman (or women, in general) in a negative light. At the beginning of the novel, Edna is on a vacation with her husband and children and she is portrayed as dependent because she has a family and she has to take care of the children. Furthermore, Chopin describes that Edna has an identity created within her family. However, Edna finds her own individual identity separate from her husband and children which was partially "inspired" by Edna's relationship and interaction with Adele. Since Adele was the epitome of womanly elegance, she had no problem conforming to the identity of being a wife and mother. On the other hand, Edna did not feel this way and the relationship between Edna and Adele sparks this epiphany that Edna must find her individual identity and become independent. I find it interesting that Edna did not feel independent whilst being a wife and a mother. In addition, I bring up the notion that women's independence is cast in a negative light because of the actions that Edna performs while searching for her independence, including outwardly looking for someone to satisfy her sexual needs (adultery) since her husband is always away on business matters. Furthermore, she becomes close with Robert, but Robert refuses to engage in an adulterous relationship with her. Edna and Robert's contrast of values and morals is also interesting. Typically, women are supposed to "do the right thing", but in this case, Edna is breaking all kinds of rules during her search for independence. Lastly, she commits suicide at the end of the novel, leaving her children all alone - but she justifies this action by telling herself that she has not been there for her children much anyways, so it would not make a huge difference.

So why is it that Edna's independence is cast in a negative light instead of portrayed as a positive thing? And why do you think Edna and Adele's relationship sparked Edna to find her own identity and independence instead of motivating her to become a great wife and mother?