Does Edna Pontellier's Journey Of Self-Conformity?

In Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, Edna Pontellier’s journey of self-realization accentuates the tension between outward conformity and inward rebellion. During her summer vacation at Grand Isle, Edna rediscovers her passion for art through Mademoiselle Reisz and engages in an affair with Robert Lebrun. However, the social influences of her husband, Leonce, and her friend, Madame Ratignolle pressure Edna to conform to her role as a traditional mother and wife. Edna soon realizes she will never be able to pursue her passions while simultaneously fulfilling her societal obligations. Her struggle to liberate herself from social conventions highlights how nonconformity will result in solitude and internal tension. Recognizing how societal rules prevent

She is expected by society to look after her children and attend to guests in her home. No longer able to withstand the oppression of her individuality, Edna decides to abandon her former lifestyle and begins to dictate her life using her emotions rather than social traditions. She begins to devote her time toward painting and frequently visits Mademoiselle Reisz, a self-sufficient woman and artist who Edna aspires to become. During one of her visits, Mademoiselle Reisz tells Edna that as an artist, Edna must make numerous sacrifices in order to transcend the restraints of social conventions. Edna, as a result, moves out of her mansion and settles in a small house in order to liberate herself from Leonce’s ownership. However, her independence and neglect of mother duties only result in solitude and distance her from her friends and family. Discouraged by the isolation, Edna attempts to seek companionship by confessing her feelings to Robert and believes their relationship can free her from an oppressive marriage. When Robert returns from Mexico, the two confess their mutual love for eachother; however, he believes it is impossible for them be together since he fears society’s opinion if they consummate their adulterous affair. Despite his love for Edna, Robert desires to conform to the traditional outlook of marriage and capitulates to social norms. Appalled by Robert’s conventional views, Edna realizes she is truly alone in her journey of self-realization. By deliberately rebelling against social conventions and pursuing her passions, she is isolated from the rest of society as a result. Unable to bear her internal conflict and lacking the support of her friends, Edna returns to Grand Isle and swims out into the ocean. Realizing she will never attain true happiness within the constraints of society, Edna chooses