Consider Edna Pontellier’s decision to pursue love and desire beyond her marriage in The Awakening. To what extent do you think the pressures of gender role expectations excuse, or fail to excuse, her affair with another man?

Prompt Response: I don't think the pressures of gender role expectations excuse Edna's decision to pursue an affair outside of her marriage, but her actions are understandable given the circumstances and overall did lead to an overall benefit in her life. Morally, it was wrong of her to have an affair outside of her marriage. However, she did need a change in her life because the pressures of motherhood were unfulfilling. It was the affair and the summer vacation that opened her eyes to her true identity and broadened her view of herself as more than a mother, and this development was beneficial for her even if the route she took was morally wrong. 

Summary: Today in class we completed discussion questions for 'I don't want a wife" and we read The Awakening and answered questions.

Reflection: I improved my reading comprehension skills and ability to answer discussion questions.

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