The Awakening Post 1

In The Awakening, Kate Chopin writes using extremely descriptive language in order to induce certain feelings and subliminally let the readers in on underlying situations. By making use of this figurative language, Chopin is able to describe the attraction between Mrs. Pontellier and Robert in a way that cannot be easily picked up.
Chopin narrows in on romanticizing Robert's features--particularly his eyes and lips. "His eyes gathered in and reflected the light and languor of the summer day." She emphasizes the glistening affect they have and use the beauty of nature to enhance the beauty of how he looks. The use of imagery here allows the reader to imagine how beautiful Robert is and how refreshing he is to Mrs. Pontellier--similar to a beautiful summer day.
Chopin later goes on to describe Robert smoking--"Mrs. Pontellier reached over for a palm-leaf fan...and began to fan herself, while Robert sent between his lips light puffs from his cigarette" (Chopin, 46). Chopin is sexualizing an, otherwise, everyday scene by zoning in on the sensuality of Mrs. Pontellier fanning herself and the delicacy of Robert smoking. The language, focusing on Robert's lips, sets an intimate tone and foreshadows future events to come. Chopin is able to hint at future affairs between the two in a more censored form.
The overall use of figurative language within the passage was extremely effective in introducing the motive of the two characters, as well as, to foreshadow events to come between the two of them (as well as between Mrs. Pontellier and other men).