The Awakening

The Awakening

The True Awakening in the book was when Edna and Alcee Arobin make love at her pigeon house. Edna realizes how much she is in love with Robert and not having any feelings for Arobin. Edna only enjoys Arobins soothing company. After the dinner party, Alcee Arobin escorts Edna back to her "pigeon house" which stood behind a locked gate. As they walked in, there was a surprise for her. The room was filled with flowers which Arobin had sent. Celestine distributed them during Edna's absence. Edna found this discomforting. Arobin consistently asked if she was tired and wanted to be quiet and she replied yes. Arobin then began to stroke and smooth her hair with his soft, magnetic hand. His touch conveyed to her a certain physical comfort. Arobin tried using his sweet and smooth remarks about how she had been doing too much in the past few days. Arobin began straying her beautiful shoulders, which lead to the response of her flesh to his touch. Arobin seated himself beside Edna and kissed her lightly upon the shoulder. He would not say his goodnight until she had become supple to his gentle, seductive gentleness. Adele paid Edna a visit. She warned Edna of Alcee's in intentions and how it would ruin her reputation if she kept seeing Alcee Arobin. Edna pays a visit to Mademoiselle Reisz. She wasn't home; however, Edna decided to wait for her. Edna hears a knock at the door and in complete surprise, Robert walks in, who has been back in town for two days. Edna started to doubt his love, wondering why he didn't tell her or come visit her. Robert gives some excuses that Edna doesn't believe and decides not to wait for Mademoiselle Reisz anymore.

Robert decides to walk Edna home and she invites him in for dinner at the pigeon house. She thinks to herself about how her dreams are coming true. Edna and Robert walk back to her house and begin to dine together. Edna begins to discuss and ask Robert about his Mexico trip. She comments on Robert's tobacco pouch. He explains to Edna that it was made by a Vera Cruz girl he knew. They discuss her beauty. Edna begins to remind Robert of the time they spent together on Grand Isle. In the middle of dinner, Alcee Arobin drops by with a message from Mrs. Merriman. He is surprised to see Robert there and charmingly shows his jealousy. Robert then leaves. After Robert's