In coloring he was not unlike his companion. A clean-shaved face made the resemblance more pronounced than it would otherwise have been. There rested no shadow of care upon his open countenance. . . .

An illumination broke over his whole face when he saw her and joined her under the orange tree. . . .

“So was I,” he blurted. “Perhaps that’s the —” He stood up suddenly and held out his hand. “Good-by, my dear Mrs. Pontellier; good-by. You won’t — I hope you won’t completely forget me.”

—The Awakening, Kate Chopin

He changes from a confident character to one who experiences anxiety.
He remains compassionate and caring without changing significantly.

He changes from an arrogant man to one who shows respect for others.

He remains unwilling to love or commit, indicating little change.

1 answer

In the passage from "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin, the character's shift from a confident demeanor to one marked by anxiety can be analyzed most prominently in his farewell to Mrs. Pontellier. His initial brightness and openness give way to a sudden, more vulnerable emotional state as he expresses a desire to be remembered. This demonstrates a significant change in how he perceives his relationship with her, moving from a place of assurance to one of uncertainty and longing.

While he remains compassionate and caring throughout the interaction, this farewell reveals an underlying complexity to his character. The moment indicates that although he initially appears self-assured, he harbors insecurities about his impact on those around him, particularly Mrs. Pontellier.

In contrast, if we were to interpret his change from an arrogant individual to one who shows respect (another possible characterization), it underscores his development in recognizing the value of meaningful connections, which can be seen as a shift in his previously self-centered approach.

Ultimately, the key takeaway is that this moment with Mrs. Pontellier reflects a deeper vulnerability and a longing for emotional connection, signaling an important evolution in his character—even if he remains somewhat unwilling to fully embrace love or commitment. Thus, we can conclude that while he may only show subtle external changes, the internal conflicts and transformations are profound.