# Sexuality and Desire in The Awakening

> Theme guide for The Awakening by Kate Chopin.

The novel explores Edna's awakening sexual and emotional desires, particularly through her relationships with Robert Lebrun and Alcée Arobin, challenging Victorian notions of female passionlessness and propriety.

## Where it surfaces

- [The Awakening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/x): The silent moments between Edna and Robert in the hammock are 'pregnant with the first-felt throbbings of desire,' highlighting emerging romantic and sexual tension.
- [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxv): Edna's physical and emotional response to Arobin's touch and kiss marks a significant step in her sexual awakening, as she grapples with feelings of infidelity and desire.
- [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxvii): Edna's first kiss that truly responds to her nature, described as a 'flaming torch that kindled desire,' marks a pivotal awakening of her sexual self.
- [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxviii): Edna's encounter with Arobin and her regret that the kiss was not from love highlight her complex desires and the conflict between physical and emotional intimacy.
- [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxxi): Edna's physical response to Arobin's touch—'the response of her flesh'—and her eventual submission illustrate her awakening sensuality and the power of physical desire.
- [Chapter XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxxiii): The tension between Edna and Robert, and the mention of Alcée Arobin's reputation, underscore Edna's awakening desires and the societal dangers associated with them.
- [Chapter XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxxiv): Edna's jealousy over the Mexican girl and her intense reverie about Robert highlight her burgeoning sexual and emotional desires.
- [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxxv): Arobin's detection of Edna's 'latent sensuality' and the unfolding of her sensual nature under his attention underscore the theme of emerging sexual desire.
- [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxxvi): The passionate kisses and embraces between Edna and Robert, along with their verbal confessions of love, highlight the awakening of Edna's sexual and emotional desires.

## Links

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