Moral Degradation in the Awakening Kate Chopin's major novel, The Awakening, takes the modern reader to an earlier time, while provoking questions about morality and on the self-sacrifice that exists in the present age. Edna Pontellier, the protagonist of the story, presents herself from the beginning of the novel as an individual against society. Over the course of the opening chapters, his sporadic characteristics and reproachful actions lead to a breakdown in his moral integrity. These behaviors allow her to ultimately become a woman that not only her Creole culture, but civilization in general no longer accepts. Edna's plight throughout the novel has refined her status as an individual against society. From the beginning of the story, her unusual reserve towards her children placed her in an abnormal position. Her behavior, not necessarily one of abandonment, rather of apathetic involvement in their lives, contrasted with the ideal maternal figure of the time. Her friend, Mrs. Ratignolle, however, showed a rather opposite position towards her children and her husband. He possessed the attitude of dependency that Creole society not only encouraged, but in some respects required. But this approach to domestic responsibilities was something Edna was unable to promote. Although she loved her children dearly, and sometimes needed them fervently, she was more accustomed to leaving them with a nanny or a friend than taking care of their needs herself. As she demonstrated, she would give everything she had for her children, but she would not give of herself. In an age of expected domestic dependence, Edna's rejection of the obligations of mother and wife went against the unspoken rules of the world in which she lived. While at first Edna outwardly performed the duties of her life, her heart was occupied with other thoughts. Over the course of the summer she fell in love with the local lover who followed her, Robert Lebrun. Although she had previously established her status as a "third wheel" in Grande Isle families, this was another aspect of her life that pitted her against her surroundings. When Robert fell in love with Edna, and she with him, his desire for independence was inflamed and his passions began to overwhelm his self-control. Seeing that her husband, Leonce, was in love with the idea of ​​a wife for him and a mother for his children rather than Edna herself, it became easier for Edna to let go of her morals. When Robert suddenly left for Mexico on a business trip, Edna became despondent and disoriented. Perhaps because of the strong desire for him and the pain of his removal she has become intensely tied to herself. When he started painting again, trying to express his inner passions, he began to feel life again. On her visits to Madame Reisz's piano concerts she was moved to tears by the music that touched her soul. He appreciated nature even more; he appreciated the glory of the ocean with greater vigor. When Leonce was traveling, Edna finally cut the external threads of slavery to her duties as a wife and mother. She gathered her things and left the house. After throwing one last party, she awaited the return of Robert, whom she had learned about in her letters to Madame Reisz. In the meantime, however, after getting engaged to Alscee Adonwin, Edna realized that her values ​​and life choices were no longer acceptable in the society in which she lived. Although her friend Madame Ratignolle simply told her to live the life she was called to lead, she could not do so. In his last days, when he saw the family doctor, he reflected his thoughts better by saying: "The problem is... that youth abandons itself to.