There are several instances of “romantic love” in The
Awakening, including the relationship between the two lovers, the romantic interests of
the lovely Spanish girl, Mariequita and the fascinating but platonic crushes that
colored Edna’s youth. Still, the genuine affection that develops between Edna Pontellier
and Robert Lebrun is a form of romantic love.
Robert and
Edna’s romance is founded on friendship, admiration and genuine esteem. For instance, in
Chapter 2, their conversation covers a range of topics routine and mundane
topics:
“Mrs.
Pontellier talked about her father's Mississippi plantation and her girlhood home in the
old Kentucky bluegrass country.
“
They shared their thoughts
on a range of subjects that might appear uninteresting to
others.
As their friendship grew, they become more
comfortable with one another, as indicated by Robert’s actions in Chapter
5:
“During his
oblivious attention he once quietly rested his head against Mrs. Pontellier's arm. As
gently she repulsed him. Once again he repeated the offense. She could not but believe
it to be thoughtlessness on his part; yet that was no reason she should submit to
it.”
Robert rests his head on
Mrs. Pontellier because it is comfortable. His goal is not to be forward or flirtatious.
Rather, there is an emotional intimacy
between them. Roberts’s romantic feelings for Edna increase as this intimacy grows.
In fact, on the night that she learns to swim, he understands her so well that he knows
that she accomplished more than a skill. Although he cannot articulate it, he knows that
she’s gained self-assurance, independence and
confidence:
“He could not explain; he could not tell her that
he had penetrated her mood and
understood.”
Of course,
Robert leaves for Mexico very soon afterwards. He hopes to escape his feelings because
he realizes that he has fallen in love with Edna. His love developed naturally over
time. His feelings morphed from a close friendship into emotional intimacy and
understanding and then into love.
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