The Awakening Chapters 1 -5 Summary

Kate Chopin's The Awakening and Selected Short Fiction is a collection of several of Chopin's writings. The Awakening is the longest and one of the most controversial of Chopin's career. It details the spiritual awakening of Mrs. Edna Pontellier, a tragic heroine who embarks on a journey of self-awareness that ultimately separates her from her husband, family, and friends.

The book opens on Grand Isle, an island in southeast Louisiana. The site is a popular spot for wealthy summer visitors. Léonce Pontellier is a successful businessman, visiting with his wife Edna and their two young boys, Raoul and Étienne. When Mr. Pontellier sees his wife has gotten sunburned while out with her young friend, Robert Lebrun, he treats her like a valuable possession that has been carelessly damaged. Robert Lebrun is the son of Madame Lebrun...