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The Awakening is a complex work on feminism that focusses on the controversial views of the protagonist, Edna Pontellier, on issues like femininity and the established societal rules in nineteenth century Southern United States. Summary Of The Book Kate Chopin’s The Awakening opens with the Pontellier family on vacation on Grand Isle in the Gulf of Mexico. The family consists of a businessman, Léonce Pontellier, his wife Edna, and their two sons. During her vacation, Edna forms a close bond with Robert Lebrun, a young man who has won her affections. Lebrun, sensing that a relationship with a married woman is bound to fail, leaves Edna on the pretext of beginning a business venture. Edna, disappointed at the turn her life has taken, attempts to smooth into her old life peppered with maternal and marital duties specified by the society. But, she longs for the freedom she experienced with Lebrun. Despite the constant reminder from her friend, Adèle, who pushes her to conform to societal requirements, Edna starts taking charge of her own life by focussing more on herself rather than her duties as a wife and mother. The Awakening then details how her husband, Léonce, begins to notice changes in her and starts worrying about her mental health. It also portrays Edna’s life when she is left alone, unattended, for a period while Léonce is away on business. What does Edna do with her newfound freedom? Does she explore her dormant sexual desires? Who does she meet? How does she try to find meaning in her life? Will her love, Robert, ever return to her? Will Edna ever be free of the restrictions set upon her gender? The Awakening answers these questions and more. The Awakening was published in 1899. It was considered to be a controversial piece of work at that time as it challenged the prevalent gender roles and for its portrayal of female sexual desires. Its popularity peaked with the increase in feminist movements and was later considered a critically acclaimed work. In 1991, the book was adapted into a film titled Grand Isle, which was directed by Mary Lambert and had Kelly McGillis starring as Edna. About Kate Chopin Kate Chopin was an American author, who is considered to be one of the earliest feminist writers from the nineteenth century. Apart from this book, Chopin has written another novel titled At Fault. She has also written many short stories such as Desiree’s Baby, The Storm, Lilacs, and The Unexpected. Her short story collections include A Night In Acadie and Bayou Folk. Her writing generally portrayed women who had unorthodox views on many aspects of life and was inspired by her own experiences and perceptions. Chopin was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Thomas O'Flaherty and Eliza Faris. She later married Oscar Chopin and had six children by the age of 28. After the death of her husband, who left her in debt, she returned to St. Louis from Louisiana to ensure financial freedom. Chopin’s mother died shortly after she moved back, sending Chopin spiralling into depression. Using the advice of a doctor, she started writing to deal with her troubles. She died on August 22, 1904, from a brain haemorrhage. Chopin was honoured with a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame in 1990.