# Marriage and Motherhood as Social Institutions in The Awakening

> Theme guide for The Awakening by Kate Chopin.

The book critiques the restrictive roles of wife and mother imposed on women in 19th-century society, showing how these institutions demand self-sacrifice and suppress personal freedom, as seen in Edna's conflict with her husband and her refusal to give herself entirely to her children.

## Where it surfaces

- [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/i): Mr. Pontellier's view of Edna as 'a valuable piece of personal property' reflects the institutional view of wives in marriage.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/iii): Mr. Pontellier's reproach underscores the societal expectation that a mother's sole duty is to care for her children, while Edna's silent anguish hints at her growing dissatisfaction with this prescribed role.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/iv): The chapter contrasts Edna's detachment from maternal duties with Adèle's embodiment of the 'mother-woman,' highlighting societal expectations of women.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/vii): Edna reflects on her marriage as an accident and her ambivalent feelings toward motherhood, feeling unfitted for the role.
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xiv): Edna's maternal care for Etienne and her waiting for Léonce highlight her roles as mother and wife.
- [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xvii): The chapter depicts marriage as a set of rigid social duties—Edna's reception day, her role as hostess, and Léonce's expectation of obedience—which she begins to reject.
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xviii): Edna observes the Ratignolles' harmonious marriage but feels it is a 'colorless existence' that does not fit her.
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xix): Edna's neglect of wifely and maternal duties challenges the institution of marriage, causing conflict with her husband.
- [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxii): The conversation between Mr. Pontellier and Doctor Mandelet underscores marriage as a confining institution, with Edna's rebellion seen as a problem to be managed.
- [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxiv): The Colonel's insistence on authority in marriage contrasts with Edna's refusal to conform to familial expectations.
- [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxix): Edna acts independently of her husband's authority, undermining the traditional marital institution.
- [Chapter XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxxvii): Adèle's childbirth scene underscores the physical and emotional demands of motherhood, reinforcing societal expectations of women's roles.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/themes/marriage_and_motherhood_as_social_institutions
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/themes