Edna Pontellier, the main character in The Awakening, lives during the 1890s, a time when women were expected to stay at home, care for the children, and maintain appearances for the comfort of their husband. Any women, such as Mrs. Pontellier, that sought after their own desires and needs were considered selfish. Throughout the novel, Edna Pontellier is represented as a bird.
In the beginning of the book, there is a green and yellow parrot hanging in a cage outside the door saying over and over, “Allez vous-en! Allez-vous-en!” The bird represents Edna and this scene shows the relationship she has with her husband. Like the bird, Edna is trapped in a cage, she can’t escape, all she can do is make a lot of noise; Mr. Pontellier, who is sitting
In the beginning of the book, there is a green and yellow parrot hanging in a cage outside the door saying over and over, “Allez vous-en! Allez-vous-en!” The bird represents Edna and this scene shows the relationship she has with her husband. Like the bird, Edna is trapped in a cage, she can’t escape, all she can do is make a lot of noise; Mr. Pontellier, who is sitting