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Kate Chopin’s novel, "The Awakening," serves as a profound exploration of the constraints placed on women's self-expression in the societal milieu of the 1800s. Initially met with criticism and even banned due to its unsettling content, the novel has since evolved into a cherished portrayal of a woman's journey toward self-discovery and emancipation from the shackles of conventional society. At the heart of this narrative lies the character of Robert LeBrun, a young and charismatic womanizer, whose forbidden love affair with the protagonist, Edna Pontellier, plays a pivotal role in her awakening.
This essay aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Robert LeBrun's character and his influential role in Edna's transformative journey.
Robert LeBrun, described as a young man with a clean-shaven face, yellowish-brown hair, and quick bright eyes, is known for his reputation as a womanizer. Each summer, he seamlessly navigates between different older women, earning him a notoriety that precedes him. However, it is Robert's affectionate nature that captures the attention of Mrs.
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Edna Pontellier, setting the stage for a forbidden love affair that becomes a catalyst for Edna's internal struggles. As we explore Robert's character, we find him oscillating between dynamic and static traits, playing a significant role in Edna's series of epiphanies or "awakenings."
Initially, their relationship starts innocently, with Edna treating Robert almost like a pet, a troublesome companion always underfoot. According to Edna, he was "always under her feet like a troublesome dog" (Chopin, page 26). However, as the summer progresses, their connection deepens, and Edna realizes her own strength and ability to express herself independent of societal expectations.
Robert becomes the embodiment of a love that starkly contrasts with anything Edna has experienced, even within the confines of her marriage to Mr. Pontellier.
Despite Robert's womanizing reputation, there is a genuine undercurrent of love and affection that he harbors for Edna. A notable instance highlighting the sincerity of Robert's feelings is evident in the comparison between his emotions for Edna and those for her close friend, Madame Ratignolle. The novel states, "Meanwhile Robert, addressing Mrs. Pontellier, continued to tell one of his onetime hopeless passion for Madame Ratignolle;... Mrs. Pontellier was glad he had not assumed a similar role towards herself. It would have been unacceptable and annoying" (Chopin, page 14-15).
This contrast underscores Robert's consistency and seriousness in his feelings for Edna, as opposed to the fluctuating tones he adopts when discussing Madame Ratignolle. Despite his past involvement with older married women, Robert's connection with Edna starts innocently. However, as the summer unfolds, their relationship transforms into genuine love. Edna, and by extension, the readers, begin to perceive Robert as physically attractive, charming, and charismatic—qualities she finds lacking in her conventional husband.
Robert's sudden decision to flee to Mexico, driven by his realization of the depth of his feelings for Edna, marks a significant turning point in the narrative. In a moment of weakness, he believes that distancing himself from Edna is the only way to protect them from the consequences of their forbidden love. This decision, however, intensifies Edna's awakening. The shock of Robert's departure is palpable when the news is broken to Edna over a dinner table, creating a sense of bewilderment and desperation.
The tenderness of Robert's character becomes more apparent as Edna's awakening progresses. His love for her eventually compels him to return to New Orleans, realizing that he cannot live without her. However, upon his return, he grapples with shyness, an unusual characteristic for him. Despite confessing his love for Edna, Robert acknowledges the ethical dilemma presented by her marriage. He remains practical, understanding the societal constraints that prevent him from fully pursuing a relationship with her.
Throughout the novel, Robert is consistently compared to Alcee Arobin, a notorious character known for his promiscuity. This comparison highlights the complexity of Robert's character and emphasizes the distinction between genuine love and mere attraction. A critic, Wayne Batten, remarks, “Edna, accordingly, could have learned that the fantasies she constructs with Robert Lebrun do not make his attraction fundamentally different from the unembellished lure of Arobin” (Batten).
As the narrative unfolds, Robert's internal struggle becomes more apparent. Despite his intense desire for Edna, he resists consummating their love, recognizing the impossibility of their situation. The poignant farewell, marked by Robert's note stating, “Goodbye because I love you” (Chopin, page 152), encapsulates the irony of a love that cannot be realized. This heartbreaking farewell propels Edna into the final stages of her awakening, culminating in her act of suicide as she embraces newfound independence and self-expression, symbolized by her surrender to the sea.
Upon reflection, the significance of Robert LeBrun in the development of both characters becomes evident. Through the analysis of Robert's morals and attempts to remain practical, the essay explores the impact of his love on Edna's journey. The question arises: would Edna have discovered her reckless sense of independence without Robert's love, or would Robert have matured to recognize the necessity of walking away from a forbidden love for the greater good?
This narrative underscores the transformative power of interpersonal connections, demonstrating how one person can awaken an individual to a new perspective, altering their life trajectory. In "The Awakening," Robert LeBrun serves as the catalyst for Edna's self-discovery, challenging societal norms and facilitating her journey towards independence and self-expression.
In conclusion, Kate Chopin's "The Awakening" offers a nuanced exploration of forbidden love through the character of Robert LeBrun. As Edna Pontellier's forbidden lover, Robert plays a pivotal role in her journey toward self-discovery and independence. The essay has delved into the complexities of Robert's character, his genuine feelings for Edna, and the ethical dilemmas he faces. The departure and subsequent return of Robert become catalysts for Edna's awakening, leading to a poignant farewell and the culmination of her newfound independence. Through the lens of Robert LeBrun's character, the narrative underscores the transformative power of love and its ability to reshape lives, challenging societal expectations and norms.
Forbidden Love Unveiled: Robert LeBrun's Role in The Awakening. (2016, Dec 26). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/character-analysis-of-robert-lebrun-essay
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