A Penn StateĮlectronic Classics Series Publication. The Awakening and Selected Short Stories. "Victorian Ideals: The Influence of Society's Ideals on Victorian Through her various rebellious, albeit unadvised actions, Edna…Īppell, Felicia. The Awakening takes part during the course of two consecutive summers in which Edna exhibits cyclical tendencies. Chopin's characterization of Edna's awakening is somewhat reminiscent of the freedoms she personally experienced while growing up alongside strong, independent, and trailblazing women who continuously defied conventions and did not let society dictate what they could or could not do (yatt). Additionally, "women were not…allowed to be educated or gain knowledge outside of the home because it was a man's world" (Appell). As a woman, Edna was expected to marry "and take part in husband's interests and business" (Appell). During the course of her journey, Edna breaks away from the socially acceptable behavior expected of women at the time. Kate Chopin's The Awakening revolves around Edna Pontellier and her quest for self-discovery. 2nd ed.Įdna Pontellier's Quest for Freedom in Chopin's the Awakening Jason Hartford (435) for example consider religion in terms of…įlaubert, Gustave Madame Bovary. eligion can also be seen from a wider point-of-view when considered in terms of the authors' intention in both respective cases.
In this way, the religious force, and particularly Christianity, serves as an oppressive power, in contrast to the force of freedom it claims to be. However, it is also true that Adele has no concept of the inner self and therefore experiences no sense of sacrifice when denying her own desires in favor of those her family may have. Adele for example specifically refers to the Bible when attempting to convince Edna of the merits of self-sacrifice for husband and children. In The Awakening, religion also plays an important role in the female self-concept. Ultimately, although unintentionally, she quite literally gives her life in this servitude. In service to this "religion," she is expected to offer her entire self. "Thanatos and Eros: Kate Chopin's the Awakening." American Quarterly 25.4 (Oct., 1973): 449-471. "The Origins of the Women's Liberation Movement." The American Journal of Sociology 78.4 (1973): 792-811. Kessinger Publishing: 2004.īrightwell, Gerri "Charting the Nebula: Gender, Language and Power in Kate Chopin's 'The Awakening.'" Women and Language 18.2 (1995): 37-49.įreeman, Jo. Also, water symbolizes freedom and escape with its vastness and…Ĭhopin, Kate. A subtle current of desire passed through her body, weakening her hold upon the brushes and making her eyes bum" (Chopin 149). Throughout the novel, the sea becomes a symbol of sexual desire (Spangler 251): "She could see the glint of the moon upon the bay, and could feel the soft, gusty beating of the hot south wind.
The metaphor of the water is relevant to the theme of self-discovery and expression of self. The final episode of the novel is represented by Edna's solitary swim into the emptiness of the Gulf. By realizing that she cannot share herself with anyone, Edna has to come to terms with her inability to maintain any true relationships in this sense, she is destined to stand alone in the world (Ringe 586), a position which is suggested by the metaphor of the water.