# Chapter I explained — The Awakening

> Chapter companion for The Awakening by Kate Chopin.

## What happens

The Pontellier family is vacationing at Grand Isle. Mr. Pontellier, annoyed by the noise of Madame Lebrun's parrot and mockingbird, retreats to his cottage to read the newspaper. His wife Edna returns from the beach with Robert Lebrun, and Mr. Pontellier regards her as a piece of valuable property. He leaves to play billiards at Klein's hotel, while Robert stays to talk with Edna.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marriage and Motherhood as Social Institutions

Mr. Pontellier's view of Edna as 'a valuable piece of personal property' reflects the institutional view of wives in marriage.

### Freedom vs. Confinement

The caged parrot and mockingbird symbolize confinement, while Edna's laughter and private joke with Robert hint at a desire for freedom.

## Character check-ins

### Edna Pontellier

Returns from the beach with Robert Lebrun; laughs with him over a private joke; her husband regards her as a possession.

### Robert Lebrun

Accompanies Edna from the beach; prefers to stay and talk with her rather than join Mr. Pontellier at billiards.

### Léonce Pontellier

Irritated by the birds, reads the newspaper; views Edna as a valuable possession; leaves to play billiards.

### Madame Lebrun

Bustles about the main house giving orders; owns the parrot and mockingbird.

## Key lines

> You are burnt beyond recognition... looking at his wife as one looks at a valuable piece of personal property which has suffered some damage.

Mr. Pontellier comments on Edna's sunburn, treating her like an object that has been slightly marred.

_Highlights the dehumanizing aspect of their marriage._

> Allez vous-en! Allez vous-en! Sapristi! That's all right!

The parrot repeatedly says 'Go away! Go away! Good heavens! That's all right!'

_The parrot's refrain foreshadows themes of confinement and the desire to escape._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_awakening_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters