Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Awakening, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Convention and Individuality
Women’s Rights, Femininity, and Motherhood
Realism and Romanticism
Action and Reflection
Freedom and Emptiness
Summary
Analysis
Edna Pontellier wonders why she followed Robert to the beach, though she had not wanted to go. She is beginning to become aware of her place in the world—she feels a new understanding settling on her, and it makes her gloomy and thoughtful.
