# Chapter XXXIV explained — The Awakening

> Chapter companion for The Awakening by Kate Chopin.

## What happens

Edna hosts a small dinner for Robert, during which they exchange polite conversation about his time in Mexico. Robert reveals a tobacco pouch given to him by a Mexican girl, sparking Edna's jealousy. Alcée Arobin visits briefly, and after Robert leaves, Arobin professes his adoration for Edna before departing. Alone, Edna falls into a reverie, reliving her moments with Robert and feeling a pang of jealousy over the Mexican girl.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sexuality and Desire

Edna's jealousy over the Mexican girl and her intense reverie about Robert highlight her burgeoning sexual and emotional desires.

### Freedom vs. Confinement

Edna's choice to stay home alone rather than attend the card party reflects her struggle for personal freedom against social obligations.

## Character check-ins

### Edna Pontellier

Hosts a small dinner for Robert, feels jealousy over a Mexican girl, and falls into a reverie after Robert and Arobin leave.

### Robert Lebrun

Dines with Edna, relates his sojourn in Mexico, and reveals a tobacco pouch given by a Vera Cruz girl, then leaves abruptly.

### Alcée Arobin

Drops in with a message, converses with Robert and Edna, and professes his adoration for Edna before leaving.

### Old Celestine

Serves dinner and coffee, lingers to talk patois with Robert.

## Key lines

> I have forgotten nothing at Grand Isle, he said, not looking at her, but rolling a cigarette.

Robert claimed to remember everything about Grand Isle while avoiding eye contact and rolling a cigarette.

_Robert's evasive body language and focus on the cigarette suggest emotional tension regarding their shared past._

> There are some people who leave impressions not so lasting as the imprint of an oar upon the water.

Some people make only fleeting impressions, like the temporary mark of an oar on water.

_Robert dismissively compares the Mexican girl to a transient impression, possibly to downplay her significance to Edna._

> I only live when I am near you.

Arobin claims that his existence is meaningless without Edna's presence.

_Arobin's dramatic declaration of devotion contrasts with Edna's detached, dreamy response._

## Links

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