# XXXVIII explained — The Awakening

> Chapter companion for The Awakening by Kate Chopin.

## What happens

After witnessing Adèle Ratignolle's childbirth, Edna walks home with Doctor Mandelet, discussing her disillusionment with life and her determination to follow her own desires. She returns to an empty house, finding only a farewell note from Robert Lebrun, which leaves her devastated and sleepless.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom vs. Confinement

Edna's walk home and her conversation with Doctor Mandelet highlight her struggle between societal expectations (children, marriage) and her desire for personal freedom and autonomy.

### The Dual Life

Edna's internal conflict between her passionate love for Robert and her maternal duties (Adèle's reminder) exemplifies her dual existence.

## Character check-ins

### Edna Pontellier

Dazed after childbirth scene, walks home with Doctor Mandelet, expresses desire for autonomy, finds Robert's goodbye note and is crushed.

### Doctor Mandelet

Walks Edna home, offers sympathy and understanding, warns her against self-blame.

### Robert Lebrun

Leaves a farewell note for Edna saying 'I love you. Goodbye—because I love you.'

### Adèle Ratignolle

Her voice haunts Edna with the reminder to 'think of the children.'

### Old Celestine

Unlocks the kitchen door and lights the fire in the morning, finding Edna awake.

## Key lines

> I love you. Goodbye—because I love you.

Robert's note declares his love for Edna but explains that his love compels him to leave her.

_This note is the culmination of Robert's internal conflict and his decision to honor social conventions over his feelings._

> The years that are gone seem like dreams—if one might go on sleeping and dreaming—but to wake up and find—oh! well! perhaps it is better to wake up after all, even to suffer, rather than to remain a dupe to illusions all one's life.

Edna reflects that while the past felt dreamlike, facing reality—even if painful—is preferable to living under false pretenses.

_This conversation with Doctor Mandelet marks Edna's growing disillusionment with the illusions of marriage and motherhood._

## Links

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