Beginning of Essay
Often in novels, a character faces conflicting directions of ambitions, desires, and influences. In such a novel, like “The Awakening,” the main character, Edna Pontellier, faces these types of conflicting ideas. In a controversial era for women, Edna ....

Middle of Essay
.... allowed to smoke in public, and were not allowed in the work place. These ideals set by the male driven society caused Edna to face her second trend of free will, conflicting with her other direction of oppression. When Edna felt dissatisfied with the life she is given, she pursues other ways in which to live more fully. She attempts painting and enters into an affair with another man. As her desire for freedom grows, she moves out of her husband’s house and tries to live life as she sees fit. She lives a life reflecting her new philosophies towards life, philosophies that are in conflict with that of society. The oppression by man caused Edna ....