The Awakening by Kate Chopin is a buildungsroman. It shows the growth and development of Edna Pontellier. Through the novel, she grows from a normal and typical mother to a spiritually awakened woman. However, during this process, the transition is anything but smooth. She is constantly contemplating between conforming to society and becoming totally independent. As the novel progresses, each character plays a significant role in Edna's ultimate decision.
When Edna begins to discover that she is an individual, Leonce becomes very upset and attempts to "help" Edna to conform to society. Leonce insists that they must observe "les convenances" if they want to keep up with society. As a businessman, being accepted by society is extremely important to Leonce. However, Edna's outlook is beginning to change. He tries to convince Edna to attend her sister's wedding, but she refuses; also, Leonce goes to New York on business, but Edna refuses to go with him. By doing this, she is openly defying her husband, which she has never done before. At this point, Edna is beginning to lose her love for Leonce. Edna closes up her house and moves to her "pigeon house." Upset, her husband puts a notice in the newspaper, which says that their home is being remodeled. Leonce does not want the society to think that anything is wrong or different. As a result, he tries to hide Edna's strange behavior from his friends. Leonce's reputation is extremely important to him and he is willing to do almost anything to protect it, including suppressing his wife.
In the novel, Robert symbolizes the impossibility of being completely independent and socially acceptable simultaneously. As the relationship between Edna and Robert progresses, Robert's affections and attention inspire Edna to dramatically change. Edna and Robert never openly discuss their love for one another, but the time they spend together stimulates Edna's desire to achieve her dreams.