At the beginning of The Awakening, Edna Pontellier alienates herself from society only on an emotional level. She felt as if "a certain light was beginning to dawn dimly within her, - the light which, showing the way, forbids it" (17). As the novel progresses, she voices her feelings and begins to put them into action. However, Edna must face the fact that her ideas are not socially acceptable. When Edna's beliefs contradict those in her community, the community's moral values are revealed by the society's reactions to Edna's role as a mother, her treatment of her husband, and her desire for other men.
Edna's behavior toward her children was viewed by society as being abnormal. She did not neglect her children, however her participation in their lives was unconcerned and apathetic. She would often leave them with a nanny, rather than take care of them herself. "She was fond of her children in an uneven, impulsive way. She would sometimes gather them passionately to her heart; she would sometimes forget them" (24). This contrasted the perfect motherly figure of her times. Madame Ratignolle is an example of this ideal motherly figure that devoted her life to her children. When Edna tells Madame Ratignolle that she would not sacrifice herself for her children, this stirs up "a rather heated argument; the two women did not appear to understand each other" (62). This shows how the society believes that a woman should give her life for her children.
Mr. Pontellier is described as a typical "good" husband and is viewed that way in society. He kisses his children and promises "to bring them back bonbons and peanuts" (4). Nevertheless, Edna would not agree with society's views. She feels that Mr. Pontellier perceives her as a possession and does not spend adequate time with his family. Edna begins her development of her new, independent self when she disobeys her husband by refusing his request to go inside because of the cold and the mosquitoes.
