Gender Roles In Kate Chopin's The Awakening

Few literary works are so unconventional and ahead of their time that the controversial discussion surrounding them has continued for more than a century after their publication. In order for a book to have this effect, it must present its ideas in an entirely new way, often boldly challenging the preconceived notions of the reader and perhaps even society itself. The Awakening by Kate Chopin does this unlike any other novel of its time. It tells the story of a young woman named Edna as she makes the transformation from an introverted housewife to an independent feminist, which alone was enough reason for it to be despised by conservatives. Throughout the story, her family and friends do not always understand agree with her decisions and as a result attempt to hinder her development but to no avail. The other characters in the novel …show more content…
From early on in the novel, Edna finds that she differs greatly from most of the other women in the community. She enjoys her individuality, and does not feel the need to conform to them, evidenced by a quotation from her husband. When asked by Doctor Mandelet about Edna’s strange behavior, Lèonce says, “She hasn't been associating with any one. She has abandoned her Tuesdays at home, has thrown over all her acquaintances, and goes tramping about by herself, moping in the street-cars, getting in after dark. I tell you she's peculiar. I don't like it; I feel a little worried over it" (87). Edna seems to take pride in the