Sexism In The Awakening

Kate Chopin's The Awakening enlightens readers on sexism from the feminist perspective. The literary masterpiece depicts the transformation of a once obedient submissive, traditional wife into that of a liberated woman. The Awakening is a journey of self-discovery, which constitutes the focus of the book. The heroine Edna must emerge from traditional gender roles and find independence from her stereotypical husband. She must decide to free herself from the stifling assumptions and oppressions deeply embedded in her by society. Edna must embrace her sexuality and desire for sexual fulfillment, which during her era is completely unorthodox. Edna finds herself in many of the same situations women find themselves in today. She remains in an unhealthy, unhappy marriage, bound by duty not love. The Awakening exposes the threat of female liberation to male psyche but most importantly, examines the bonds of female friendship and the need for sexual liberation and female independence. …show more content…
Her husband, while loving, is not attentive to her. Edna is merely a fixture in his life for his pleasure. Edna's husband spends a great deal of time on business trips and as a result, she befriends Adele, which sparks the beginning of her liberation. Adele's innovative and expressive personality encourages Edna to shed her prudish demeanor. It promotes her growth and threatens her repressive outlook. Adele provides to Edna a much-needed boost in her confidence which lads to her initial friendship with a young gentleman. The premise of The Awakening examines Edna’s sexuality and independence in her adaption to new things such as swimming and developing an initially platonic relationship with a man. Her relationship with Robert ignites her senses and compels her to branch out and defy her insignificant role as merely Leonce’s wife. Edna experiences a wide range of