Beginning of Essay
The Awakening is a commentary on the restraints faced by women at the turn of the century. The novel is really all about independence and understanding. The peace that is offered in the promise of personal freedom concerning love and all else, shown in this novel ....

Middle of Essay
.... and break free of those limits. When she commits suicide she becomes victorious because she doesn’t have to give up her identity and conform to the social norms which suppress her sexuality, individuality and rights. Choked by the cloistering, moralistic garb of the Victorian era, yet willing to give up everything--even her own life--for the freedom of unencumbered individuality, Edna Pontellier epitomizes the consummate New Woman of the late nineteenth century. She embodies the social ideals for which women of that era were striving, and are still striving for today. She is individualistic--a maverick. She is passionate. She is courageou ....