The Awakening

Two other characters from different stories are reminiscent of Edna in Kate Chopin's The Awakening. Both Nora from Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House" as well as Frances from Dirty Dancing are apparent in the persona of Edna: women who are awakening to their own powers and selves.
Marriage is such a serious commitment that I have always viewed it with great reverence. I have often worried about people getting married at very young ages. Moreso than the age, however, it is the lack of real experience in life and love. Most teenagers believe they have experienced love when they have their first boyfriend/girlfriend. However, in most cases, this is only infatuation and ends in a turbulent breakup. It is not until an individual gains life experience through living on her own and discovering how much is required of her to provide for her own happiness. Happiness is neither found nor discovered solely in the relationship with another being. It comes from within and emanates outwardly, affecting the relationships in which she develops.
Chopin's character Edna has not experienced enough of life before marriage. She has remained submissive and unthinking from her father's home to that of her husband. Thus, when she begins choosing for herself, she finds herself unsatisfied with what has been given to her. Her husband is wealthly and in good society. On the surface, there appears to be a lack of what would cause unhappiness and complacency. However, things cannot make a person happy and once Edna has experienced the accomplishment of learning to swim, she seeks other opportunities to find that same self-worth and adoration. She affixes her attentions to Robert but when he is not near, she allows others to fulfill her needs; even as much as finding a stranger's look to be almost intoxicating.