The Awakening Chapters 1-10 Dialectical Journal

"Robert talked a good deal about himself.  He was very young, and did not know any better.  Mrs. Pontellier talked a little about herself for the same reason.  Each was interested in what the other said" (Chopin 5).	In this quote, the author is giving a brief description of Robert Lebrun and Mrs. Pontellier, as well as a small summation of their relationship.  By describing them by their ages, the audience is able to make judgments about who they are as well as what they stand for.  Similarly, focusing on something as simple as how both of them feel about their conversation with the other, suggests and foreshadows that the two of them have an intimate relationship, or will develop a relationship.
"The sun was low in the west, and the breeze soft and languorous that came up from the south, charged with the seductive order of the sea.  Children freshly befurbelowed, were gathering for their games under the oaks.  Their voices were high and penetrating" ( Chopin 16).	During this passage in the text, Chopin uses a great deal of imagery and describes the whole atmosphere of the setting.  By using specific diction, the author very accurately and descriptively describes how upbeat, and welcoming the ambiance is. Also, by talking very in-depth about the children of the society, we are given a perspective of not just their town and the world they live in, but also who the people are and what they stand for.
"The Pontelliers and Ratignolles walked ahead; the woman leaning upon the arms of their husbands" (Chopin 36).	This short, simple quote suggests the whole essence of the book: the relationship between men and women, and more specifically between husbands and wives.  Here, Chopin is showing a small nugget example of woman's apparent reliance on men, and how even on a day-to-day basis, when simply walking through town, women are expected to be dependent on men and always walk arm in arm with her husband.