Art plays an important role in The Awakening. Edna Pontelier aspires to both social and artistic freedom. As Edna begins to assert her independence, she also begins to turn to painting as a way to express herself. At the beginning of the novel, Edna dabbles in sketching. After an exhilarating evening on Grand Isle where she learns to swim, Edna grows into an independent, assertive woman. This is reflected in her romantic inclinations towards Robert, her contempt for her husband's wishes, and her ambitious artistic desires. Now she aspires to be an artist. Back home, Edna begins painting portraits in her studio and devotes so much time to it that her husband scolds her for neglecting domestic duties. As she becomes more independent, Edna also begins to adopt an artistic style of her own. Edna challenges social protocols by pursuing female independence and striving to become an artist. “Edna's pursuit of more original and serious art is directly linked to her development of greater pride and self-confidence, as well as the emergence of her sensuality. The more she pays...