Selfish Edna Pontellier in The AwakeningCould Edna Pontellier's actions in Kate Chopin's short story The Awakening ever be justified? This question could be discussed from two different angles. The social vision of The Awakening would accuse Edna Pontellier of being selfish and unjustified in her actions. Yet in terms of the romance of the story, Edna was in many ways an admirable character. She freed herself from her constraints and achieved almost everything she wanted. Chopin could have written this novel to glorify a woman in revolt against the conventions of the time. However, the social point of view being more factual and more direct, it constitutes the basis of this article. Therefore, no, his affairs, his treatment of his family and lovers, and his suicide were completely unjustified. No one close to him denied him love or support. Ultimately, Edna Pontellier was simply selfish. A commonly assumed reason for an affair is that the person's spouse is in some way unsatisfactory. Perhaps through their affair they are looking for a better source of love. However, this was not a justifiable cause for Edna's adultery. Mr. Pontellier was a loving husband who tried to show his love for Edna in every way possible. Léonce showers his wife with precious gifts. His life revolved around money and he knew of no other way to show his wife how much he loved her. He attempted to materialistically compensate Mrs. Pontellier for the lack of emotional support. While this may not be an ideal solution to the problem, it cannot be denied that Mr. Pontellier was trying to alleviate the problems between them. Yet while it is understandable that she would be upset by her husband's lack of family skills, the marriage was solely Edna's fault. Their relationship story is far from perfect. Chopin states that “his marriage to Léonce Pontellier was a pure accident... He fell in love... and insisted with a seriousness and ardor that left nothing to be desired. She liked him; his absolute devotion flattered her” (18). Edna was not fair to him when she married him without loving him. She "became in love with her husband" (18), but affection is not a good reason to marry.