Traditional Gender Roles In Kate Chopin's The Awakening

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Traditional Gender Roles in The Wakening The Awakening by Kate Chopin is a novel that explores the life of a woman named Edna Pontellier. The novel is set in Southern Louisiana, mainly in the French Quarter of New Orleans and Grand Isle. The protagonist, Edna vacations on Grand Isle and then returns to the French Quarters. Throughout the novel, Mrs. Pontellier experiences several spiritual and moral awakenings that change who she is and how she sees herself as a woman. The reader will see how the theme of independence and sexuality portrayed by Edna undermines the traditional gender roles of women in the 19th Century. Women in the 19th Century were faced with many social constraints as exemplified by Edna Pontellier.
Edna failing to portray her role of a tradition al woman suggests her independence. She does not nurture and care for her children and husband as expected by society. A quote from Edna saying, “I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn’t give myself” demonstrates her opposition to societal expectation. Instead, Edna pursues her own interest. Chopin states, “I am no longer one of Mr. Pontellier’s possession to dispose or not. I give myself where I chose” (107). It is clear that Edna breaks away from the ideology of women being men’s property or subjected to men. Edna awakens to her individuality. Another instance is in chapter eleven; Edna exhibits a sense of equality. This is seen when she refuse to comply with Mr. Pontellier
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Adele represents societal ideals of the 19th century. On the other hand, Mademoiselle is a pianist and similar to Edna in that she refuses to conform to societal pressure or patriarchy. She is independent. Mademoiselle helps Edna to pursue her independence and is the only one who is knowledgeable of Edna’s affair with Robert. Edna finds herself between these two women who both influence her

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