AP Literature and Composition (SHHS) discussion

What is the internal conflict that Edna Pontellier experiences during the absence of her family? How does this drive the plot in a new direction?

During the absence of her family, Edna Potelliers internal conflicts slowly drift to the surface, and manage to affect her outside besides just her inside. Her internal conflicts suddenly become external, as Edna is now lost, confused, and simply scared in her isolated home. She spirals as she now has to openly confront her thoughts, desires, and misery, with nothing to longer hide behind. Because of this, Edna is desperatly seeking catharsis, which is why she acts out, smashing a glass vase for example. Edna Potelllier is confronted with her thoughts during the absence of her family, and she can no longer hide from them, making her unhinged and confused

Natalie wrote: "What is the internal conflict that Edna Pontellier experiences during the absence of her family? How does this drive the plot in a new direction?"

There is a struggle is between her being forced to find herself and attempting to balance the societal pressures she is feeling. This drives her to explore an experience the world herself, abandoning what society wants her to be and driving the plot as she experiences an "Awakening".

When Edna's husband and children are absent from her life she experiences a conflict of emotions. On one hand Edna is longing for their return as the situation is so unknown to her, however she also feels jubilant and at peace due to the freedom granted to her by her families absence. Through this internal conflict experienced by Edna the plot is driven forward as Edna balances her thirst for freedom and care for her family. Leading to Edna send letters and gifts to her family but also utilizing her newfound freedom to buy a new house.

Edna's mental state is rapidly reaching an all-time low and her frustration is taking over her. However, her problem is rooted in isolation rather than missing her husband and kids. She pays very little mind to the absence of her family and almost sees them being gone as an opportunity to explore her newfound identity, going to races and interacting with others. But where another problem arises is where she notices how she misses Robert more and finds herself finding attraction in Alcee.