Mr Pontellier's Behavior When He Returns

Mr. Pontellier's Return: A Deep Dive into the Dynamics of The Awakening

Kate Chopin's The Awakening is a poignant exploration of Edna Pontellier's journey of self-discovery, a journey fraught with societal constraints and internal conflict. While Edna's awakening is the central theme, the actions and reactions of the surrounding characters significantly contribute to the narrative's power. This article delves into the nuanced portrayal of Robert Lebrun's and Mr. Pontellier's behavior upon their respective returns, focusing particularly on how Mr. Pontellier's actions both illuminate and complicate Edna's struggle. We will examine his behavior through the lens of patriarchal societal expectations, his own emotional limitations, and the overall impact on Edna's burgeoning independence.

The Weight of Expectation: Mr. Pontellier's Role in Creole Society

Mr. Pontellier embodies the rigid societal expectations placed upon men within the Creole society of the late 19th century. He represents a specific type of masculinity – one defined by financial success, social standing, and a patriarchal control over his wife and family. His return from a business trip disrupts the delicate balance Edna has begun to create during his absence. He embodies the status quo Edna is unconsciously rebelling against. His presence serves as a constant reminder of her responsibilities and the limitations imposed upon her by her social role.

The Husband as Provider and Controller

Mr. Pontellier's character is largely defined by his role as the family's provider. His absence allows Edna a brief respite from the responsibilities of managing the household and attending to her children. Upon his return, this respite ends abruptly. He resumes his place at the head of the household, reinstating the familiar, yet stifling, dynamics of their marriage. He isn't inherently cruel or abusive, but his actions stem from a deep-seated belief in the established social order. He believes his role is to provide and control, and this belief permeates his interactions with Edna.

The Unseen Emotional Landscape

While Mr. Pontellier's outward behavior often seems aloof, his underlying emotions remain largely unexplored. Chopin subtly hints at the complexities of his character. His disappointment in Edna's changed behavior reveals a deep-seated need for the image of a conventional wife and mother. His obliviousness to Edna's emotional struggles speaks volumes about the communication breakdown in their marriage. He is emotionally unavailable, incapable of understanding or empathizing with Edna's yearning for intellectual and emotional fulfillment. This inability stems not necessarily from malice but from a profound lack of self-awareness.

The Clash of Personalities: Edna's Evolving Identity vs. Mr. Pontellier's Stagnation

The central conflict in The Awakening arises from the growing chasm between Edna and Mr. Pontellier. His return throws their incompatibility into sharp relief. Edna, during his absence, begins to explore her own desires and individuality. She experiences a sense of freedom and autonomy, even if it is fleeting. Mr. Pontellier, on the other hand, remains static, unchanged by the passing of time. He expects Edna to remain the same, the obedient wife and mother he left behind. This fundamental difference in their personal trajectories leads to growing frustration and misunderstanding.

The Subtleties of Control: Observations and Judgments

Mr. Pontellier's attempts to exert control are often subtle, woven into his everyday interactions. His observations about Edna's behavior – her attire, her social interactions, and her emotional state – highlight his desire to maintain a traditional marital dynamic. He doesn't explicitly forbid her actions, but his veiled criticism and disappointment serve as a subtle reminder of the boundaries she's expected to respect. These actions, although seemingly minor, create a persistent pressure on Edna, forcing her to constantly navigate the tension between her desires and the expectations of her husband and society.

The Failure of Communication: A Silent Struggle

The lack of open communication between Edna and Mr. Pontellier further exacerbates the conflict. They occupy separate emotional universes, unable to bridge the gap between their diverging perspectives. Mr. Pontellier's attempts to understand Edna are shallow and superficial, focused more on outward appearances than genuine emotional connection. He fails to see beyond the societal roles she occupies, missing the depth of her emotional turmoil. This failure in communication is a key contributor to Edna's growing sense of isolation and despair.

The Unraveling of the Marriage: A Predictable Trajectory

Mr. Pontellier's return does not simply reinstate the status quo; it accelerates the unraveling of Edna and Léonce's marriage. The unspoken tensions, the subtle power struggles, and the lack of emotional intimacy create an increasingly volatile atmosphere. Edna's suppressed desires find new expression in her interactions with Robert and Alcée Arobin, further highlighting the inadequacy of her marriage and her husband's incapacity to satisfy her emotional and intellectual needs.

The Catalyst for Change: A Shifting Dynamic

Mr. Pontellier's arrival is ultimately a catalyst for change, albeit a destructive one. It brings Edna's internal conflicts to a head, forcing her to confront the limitations of her marriage and the constraints of her social role. His return does not directly cause Edna's final actions but rather intensifies the pressures that ultimately lead to her tragic conclusion. He is a crucial element in the narrative's trajectory, a symbol of the societal forces that restrict Edna and ultimately contribute to her downfall.

Beyond Blame: Understanding the Context

It's important to avoid assigning simplistic blame to Mr. Pontellier. He is a product of his time, a man shaped by the societal norms and expectations of his era. His limitations are not merely personal failings but a reflection of a broader societal structure that confines women and perpetuates the imbalance of power within marriage. While his actions contribute to Edna's unhappiness, understanding his character within the historical context is vital to fully grasping the complexities of The Awakening.

Robert Lebrun's Return: A Comparative Analysis

Comparing Mr. Pontellier's return with Robert Lebrun's allows for a richer understanding of the impact of male figures on Edna's life. While both men contribute to Edna's emotional landscape, their roles and influence differ significantly. Robert's return, although brief, rekindles Edna's suppressed desires and fuels her awakening. His absence, however, highlights the limitations of romantic love in achieving true self-discovery. His character represents a more romantic, albeit equally constricting, ideal compared to Mr. Pontellier’s pragmatic and societal expectations.

The Contrast of Masculinities: A Dichotomy of Expectations

The contrasting behavior of Mr. Pontellier and Robert highlights the different ways masculinity was expressed and understood within Chopin's societal context. Mr. Pontellier embodies a more established, patriarchal masculinity, focused on control and social standing. Robert, while still constrained by societal norms, represents a more romantic ideal, albeit one that ultimately proves equally limiting for Edna. This juxtaposition underscores the restrictive nature of patriarchal ideals regardless of their specific expression.

The Catalyst vs. The Obstacle: Different Impacts on Edna's Journey

Robert's return acts as a catalyst for Edna's emotional awakening, igniting her passion and challenging her complacency. However, his subsequent departure acts as an obstacle to her lasting happiness. His actions further expose the limitations of romantic love in providing lasting fulfillment. Conversely, Mr. Pontellier's presence serves as a constant obstacle to Edna's self-discovery, reminding her of the limitations imposed by her societal role. This contrasting impact highlights the multi-faceted nature of Edna's struggle and the complex roles men play in her trajectory.

Conclusion: A Complex Interplay of Forces

Mr. Pontellier's return is not a singular event but a pivotal moment in The Awakening, a critical turning point in Edna's journey. His behavior, viewed through the lens of societal expectations, personal limitations, and the complex dynamics of their marriage, profoundly influences Edna's decisions and ultimately contributes to the tragic conclusion of the novel. Understanding his actions and their implications allows for a deeper appreciation of the societal and personal forces that shape Edna's life and her ultimate awakening. The interplay between Mr. Pontellier's return, Robert’s absence, and Edna’s own internal struggles is a potent testament to the power of societal constraints and the enduring pursuit of self-discovery. His return is not simply a disruption, but a catalyst for the unraveling and ultimate tragedy, a powerful commentary on the limitations imposed on women in the late 19th century.