EDNA'S SELF-EXPRESSION In Kate Chopin's novel The Awakening, the protagonist, Edna Pontellier, suddenly finds herself dissatisfied with her marriage and the conservative lifestyle that it allows. ... The mockingbird, which merely whistles inarticulate "fluty notes" with "maddening persistence," resembles Edna's friends who seem to understand Edna but do not speak back. ... The sensuous sound of the surf constantly beckons and seduces Edna throughout the novel. ...

• Word Count: 1307
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School