... . Mandelet comes the closest out of all the men in her life to understanding the intense emotions that she is experiencing. But unable to act on his knowledge, he is left powerless to intercede. Unaware and unable to comprehend the doctor's knowledge, the other men in the novel are obstacles in Edna's pursuit of her ultimate goal. In The Awakening the ... pleasure of it. Ironically, despite this liberation Edna experiences, Alcee cripples her in her search for independence. As Alcee and Edna leave from Leonce's house, after the dinner party, "they left through the front door, Arobin lock...

• Word Count: 925
• Approx Pages: 4