The representation of men in The AwakeningWhen Kate Chopin develops the male characters in her novel, The Awakening, she portrays men in a very objectionable light. For the most part, his men are possessive, cowardly and selfish. She seems a bit unfair and biased in her portrayal of men, but this point of view is necessary for Chopin to get his point across. She uses the characters of Mr. Pontellier, Robert, Alcee and a few other men to demonstrate her observations of the middle class man in the society of her time. First, Mr. Pontellier represents Kate Chopin's assumption that in society men objectify women. A woman is the property of a man, he “looks at his wife as one looks at valuable property which has suffered some damage” (44) and his property, “he placed a great value on her property, mainly because they belonged to him” (99). Mr. Pontellier treats Edna like a child, commanding and belittling her, “Send him to his business when he bothers you,” ordered her husband” (45) while scolding her “he blamed his wife for her inattention , his habitual neglect of the children" (48). At the same time, he demands that she play the role of his wife, "Tuesday being the day of Madame Pontellier's reception. Dressed in a beautiful dress, she remained all afternoon in the salon receiving her visitors"(100). Chopin also uses Pontellier to indicate that she views men as dominant, for example, on pages 77 and 78, when Edna refuses to enter, Mr. Pontellier joins her outside and waits for her to decide to enter. Chopin also shows Pontellier taking out his anger against Edna for going out Tuesday afternoon, complaining about the cook (108). ,Alcee Arobin symbo...... middle of paper ...... trust me, maybe I could help you I know I would understand, and I tell you there is none. has not much - not much, my dear (171), "I don't want you to blame yourself, whatever happens" (172) Unfortunately, it is already too late, because when Edna returns and finds the message. of Robert, her sorrow cannot be contained After swimming, she looks back and thinks that “perhaps Dr. Mandelet would have understood if she had seen him – but it was too late” (176). Simply put, Kate Chopin uses The Awakening to exercise her observations of the men within her. Company. At present, it is difficult to consider his accusations accurate, because society has changed significantly. But regarding the time and context of her story, Chopin's views are entirely accurate and fair, although unappealing to the men who read her book, which ultimately made her and The Awakening, so unpopular..