The Awakening: Quote 5

“He observed his hostess attentively from under his shaggy brows, and noted a subtle change which had transformed her from the listless woman he had known into a being who, for the moment seemed palpitant with the forces of life. Her speech was warm and energetic. There was no repression in her glance or gesture. She reminded him of some beautiful, sleek animal waking up in the sun.” Page 75

The doctor is observing Edna here after Leonce complains to him about Edna’s newfound rebellious attitude toward him. He describes her as a changed woman, moving with forces of life, I think this statement is very powerful. Someone who is moving with the forces of life must have some sort of gift, or indescribable emotion penetrating from their very being, to see this shine through her; she must be giving off a glow or some sort of powerful vibe. He also describes her as a “beautiful, sleek animal waking up in the sun”, this part of the quote relates to the main idea of Edna actually awakening.