Set in and around New Orleans, “The Awakening” tells the story of Edna Pontellier , a young wife and mother. While on vacation, Edna meets the son of a Louisiana resort owner, with whom she gradually falls in love. As she pulls away from her husband, Edna begins to develop a sense of herself as a whole person, with unique wants, interests, and desires. Determined.to. Control her own life, she flouts convention by moving out of her husband’s house, having an adulterous affair, and becoming an artist.