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Edna Pontellier's Familial Tensions In The Awakening

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Edna Pontellier's Familial Tensions In The Awakening
In 19th century Louisiana, there was a gender role for men and women. The men went to work while the women were “mother wives” whose main job was to to care of the children and help the family. This way of life was predominantly unquestioned, except in Kate Chopin’s The Awakening. In The Awakening, Edna Pontellier, a wealthy “mother wife”, tries to fight her gender role and become independent. Edna Pontellier’s strive for independence leads to struggles with the society’s gender role upon women.
Edna’s independence causes familial tension. Edna’s resistance to her husband’s orders angers Leonce. For example, when Mr. Pontellier learns that Edna did not stay at home for her regular Tuesday reception, he screams and says she had to continue the
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