The Awakening · Chapter
XXVIII explained
After Arobin leaves, Edna cries and experiences a flood of conflicting emotions, including a sense of irresponsibility, the shock of the unexpected, and the reproach of her husband and Robert.
What happens
After Arobin leaves, Edna cries and experiences a flood of conflicting emotions, including a sense of irresponsibility, the shock of the unexpected, and the reproach of her husband and Robert. She feels a mist has been lifted, allowing her to comprehend life's beauty and brutality, yet she feels neither shame nor remorse, only regret that the kiss was not one of love.
Themes in this chapter
Female Awakening and Self-Discovery
Edna feels a mist lifted from her eyes, comprehending the significance of life, and experiences an overwhelming sense of irresponsibility, marking a step in her awakening.
Sexuality and Desire
Edna's encounter with Arobin and her regret that the kiss was not from love highlight her complex desires and the conflict between physical and emotional intimacy.
Freedom vs. Confinement
Edna feels irresponsibility and freedom from societal expectations, yet is assailed by her husband's reproach and the external trappings of her married life.
Characters to notice
- Edna Pontellier
Cries after Arobin leaves, overwhelmed by emotions and a sense of irresponsibility; feels no shame or remorse, only regret that the kiss was not from love.
- Alcée Arobin
Leaves Edna after their encounter; his kiss triggers her emotional turmoil.
- Léonce Pontellier
His reproach is felt by Edna through the external things he provided for her.
- Robert Lebrun
His reproach is felt through Edna's awakened love for him, which is fiercer and more overpowering.
Key passages
“There was with her an overwhelming feeling of irresponsibility.”
She felt a powerful sense of being free from responsibility.
Highlights Edna's liberation from conventional duties.
“She felt as if a mist had been lifted from her eyes, enabling her to took upon and comprehend the significance of life, that monster made up of beauty and brutality.”
She felt as though a veil had been removed, allowing her to see and understand life's meaning, a mixture of beauty and cruelty.
Describes Edna's moment of clarity and awakening.
“There was a dull pang of regret because it was not the kiss of love which had inflamed her, because it was not love which had held this cup of life to her lips.”
She felt a faint ache of regret that the kiss that stirred her was not from love, and that love had not offered her this taste of life.
Edna's regret underscores her longing for genuine love.