read the excerpt from the awakening, by kate chopin. in short, mrs. pontellier was not a mother-woman. the mother-women seemed to prevail that summer at grand isle. it was easy to know them, fluttering about with extended, protecting wings when any harm, real or imaginary, threatened their precious brood. they were women who idolized their children, worshiped their husbands, and esteemed it a holy privilege to efface themselves as individuals and grow wings as ministering angels. how does the excerpt reflect its social and historical context? it illustrates the maternal expectations of “true womanhood” that some women were beginning to question. it illustrates the domestic expectations of “true womanhood” that allowed women to express their talents it illustrates the “new woman” seeking sensual experiences and freedom from restrictions. it illustrates the “new woman” seeking spiritual and intellectual experiences free from judgment.