The Awakening · Chapter
II explained
Edna Pontellier and Robert Lebrun spend a leisurely afternoon chatting on the porch of the Lebrun summer house at Grand Isle.
What happens
Edna Pontellier and Robert Lebrun spend a leisurely afternoon chatting on the porch of the Lebrun summer house at Grand Isle. They discuss their surroundings, pastimes, and personal histories, including Robert's plans to go to Mexico and Edna's girlhood in Kentucky. Robert plays with the Pontellier children before dinner.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Convention
The chapter highlights social distinctions through Robert's inability to afford cigars, his modest clerk position, and the Lebruns' reliance on summer rentals to maintain their lifestyle.
Freedom vs. Confinement
Edna and Robert's leisurely, intimate conversation contrasts with the absent Mr. Pontellier, hinting at Edna's constrained domestic role and her desire for personal connection.
Characters to notice
- Edna Pontellier
Described as having quick, bright yellowish-brown eyes and a captivating, frank expression. She chats with Robert about her past and her sister's engagement.
- Robert Lebrun
Young, clean-shaven, and carefree. He smokes cigarettes, talks about his plans to go to Mexico, and plays with the Pontellier children.
- Léonce Pontellier
Mentioned as having gone to Klein's with New Orleans club men; not present during the conversation.
- Raoul
One of the little Pontellier children; Robert plays with him and his brother before dinner.
- Etienne
The other little Pontellier child; Robert amuses him and Raoul during the half-hour before dinner.
Key passages
“She was rather handsome than beautiful. Her face was captivating by reason of a certain frankness of expression and a contradictory subtle play of features.”
Edna's attractiveness came from her honest, open expression combined with a mysterious, shifting quality in her features.
This description establishes Edna's unique, complex character, setting her apart from conventional beauty.
“Robert talked a good deal about himself. He was very young, and did not know any better. Mrs. Pontellier talked a little about herself for the same reason.”
Both Robert and Edna spoke freely about themselves, driven by youthful naivety and a mutual interest.
This mutual self-disclosure marks the beginning of their emotional intimacy.