# Chapter XXII explained — The Awakening

> Chapter companion for The Awakening by Kate Chopin.

## What happens

Mr. Pontellier visits Doctor Mandelet to discuss Edna's changed behavior. The Doctor advises him to leave her alone and suggests that her mood will pass. Mr. Pontellier mentions Edna's refusal to attend her sister's wedding and his own upcoming business trip to New York.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom vs. Confinement

Edna's refusal to attend her sister's wedding and her abandonment of social duties highlight her struggle against societal expectations.

### Marriage and Motherhood as Social Institutions

The conversation between Mr. Pontellier and Doctor Mandelet underscores marriage as a confining institution, with Edna's rebellion seen as a problem to be managed.

## Character check-ins

### Léonce Pontellier

Visits Doctor Mandelet to express concern over Edna's changed behavior and seeks advice.

### Doctor Mandelet

Listens to Mr. Pontellier's concerns and advises patience and non-interference with Edna.

### Edna Pontellier

Discussed by Mr. Pontellier and Doctor Mandelet; noted for her odd behavior and refusal to attend her sister's wedding.

### Margaret

Mentioned as Edna's sister with strong Presbyterian values.

### Sister Janet

Mentioned as the youngest sister who is getting married.

## Key lines

> She won’t go to the marriage. She says a wedding is one of the most lamentable spectacles on earth.

Edna refuses to attend her sister's wedding, calling weddings a lamentable spectacle.

_Highlights Edna's rejection of traditional marriage as a joyous event._

> let your wife alone for a while. Don’t bother her, and don’t let her bother you.

Doctor Mandelet advises Mr. Pontellier to leave Edna alone and not to engage with her unusual behavior.

_Reflects the era's approach to women's emotional independence as a phase to be endured._

## Links

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