Isabel's Pursuit Of Happiness In The Awakening

Similar to the rights mentioned earlier, the Pursuit of Happiness is an essential necessity that can be accomodated with any personage. Every individual aquires certain ambitions that they cannot stray from. This is the pursuit of happiness. It is evident that through this, no one being is capable of discouraging a character from achieving what they yearn for. Those who are, are usually faced with the same challenges themselves. Like Madam Lockton, whom is unable to do as she pleases in the eyes of her husband. Her frustration at this is taken out on Isabel, who throughout the novel continues to persist them. This is because Isabel is focused on another priority, her sister. Unlike many others. Ruth was born with a sickly disease called epilepsy:

Like Madam Lockton, who after viewing her in a state of panic, becomes determined to sell her away. After doing so she is confronted by Isabel, and is harassed by her. The reader had never experienced Isabel in this state, being so frustrated and upset. Her actions towards Madam Lockton were considered treason, which she would be greatly punished for. However, that does not influence Isabel, for she continues to burst out at her. Inevitabley, Madam Lockton is able to bound and place upon her a punishment that would forever change her. Isabel is taken to court and publically branded with the letter “I” for Insolense. From that point on the Isabel earlier recalled was never the same. Instead, she was substituted with a lifeless figure: lost in a state of depression. “I worked as a puppet trained to scrub and carry, curtsy and nod.”(Anderson157) The toll of losing Ruth and being able to do nothing about it was far too great for Isabel to manage. It was a feeling however, that many could relate to. A great number of slaves at the time were abused by the masters, and as a result had all but given up on their

The fact that she could relate to the experiences listed above makes her seem as if she is capable of acheiving the impossible. However, the loss of Ruth had compelled her to be forlon with an impression of despair. However, this tone changed when Isabel comes into aquaintance with literary material of great value. This occurs while Isabel is retreiving a selection of materials requested by Lady Seymour. While doing so, she is driven to grab a book from the sheves. The manager notices her actions, as well as her scar, and recognized her immediately. Her actions toward the prisoners at Bridewell made her a known character in the community. Because of this, she is admired by many-including the manager. He then grants her a copy of “Common Sense”: a patriotic pamphlet declaring the value of America’s Independence. While reading over this pamphlet, Isabel is overcome with a sensation of