The Awakening

novels. In The Awakening, by Kate Chopin, there is a theme of solitude and independence giving way to a deeper understanding of one’s self. The reader is introduced to Edna Pontellier, who embodies this theme by seeking her own freedom and independence in the sea. Water is a symbol that is seen throughout the book, too. It represents rebirth, cleansing, or even death. In The Awakening, Chopin ties theme and symbols together through Edna’s search for solitude and her awakening; this…

In Kate Chopin’s, The Awakening, readers can anticipate an eye-opening experience or revelation from simply reading the title of the novel. Edna Pontellier, the novel’s protagonist, experiences a unique awakening that forces her to question not only her societal role, but her own self identity. Kate Chopin presents feelings of isolation, freedom, and solitude within the mind of Edna, in a way that is all consuming. This consumptions adds a level of drama to the novel as these feelings take over…

In Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, Edna Pontellier is a character who conforms outwardly, but inside she is questioning her life. She is a wife and mother who challenges her submissive motherhood. While having these duties she inwardly wonders about what her individual self wants. Edna struggles with the inner and outer wants of her life which contributes majorly to the novel. Chopin uses the tension with this conflict to display her message of feminism and women wanting more for their individual…

Is one truly a feminist if the only woman they care about is themselves? When Edna in the book the Awakening exerts her power as a white woman onto the female minorities, should this text still be considered empowering towards all woman? Although most readers of the Awakening have argued that Chopin’s novella is a compelling piece of feminist literature, closer examination reveals that secondary female characters of color are either sexist archetypes or nameless servants, whose struggles are…

The idea that what one values can be determined by what he or she sacrifices is a commonly accepted idea throughout not just literature, but also life in general. In The Awakening, the protagonist, Edna, became the perfect example of a character who's beliefs are shown by her actions. From the beginning, it was made clear that Edna valued the freedom to express individuality as well as the right to independence. Many of her sacrifices, such as giving up her fidelity in order to sexually please…

Examples of Freedom in the Awakening "After a refreshing bath, Edna went to bed. And as she snuggled comfortably beneath the eiderdown a sense of restfulness invaded her, such as she had not known before."(Chopin 25). Throughout chapter twenty-five Leonce and the kids are going out of town which means Edna will be home by herself. Edna is relived by this. She acts as though her family was a burden and she no longer has responsibility. When they leave she runs around the house as happy as can be…

defiance from any given individual as it pertains to the individual and her surroundings. Chopin uses adultery and the sensations that accompany it as a recurring means of rebellion for both her male and female characters in works such as The Awakening and The Storm. In The Storm specifically, characters, “appear relieved to have succumbed to their long-standing attraction” (Dominic…

The Awakening: A Modern Feminist’s Take The Awakening by Kate Chopin is widely considered one of the earliest feminist novels in American literature. The protagonist, Edna Pontellier, seeks a life away from the social obligations of an 18th century woman. This novel sparked a feminist movement and started a trend of novels written by women about women. Although, feminism as a whole has changed and developed over the years to conform to modern society. As a modern feminist, I did not find The…

Kate Chopin’s motif in The Awakening is demonstrated throughout the novel of 1984. George Orwell’s novel is about a guy named Winston, who pretends to be someone he isn’t on the outside, and questions the government system he lives in, on the inside. In the novel, there was a major tension developing between Winston and the Party. According to Winston, life since the Party’s rule has been lived in fear and hatred. Anything you said out loud and even what you thought in your mind, could be…

The Awakening Study Guide Directions: Answer the following questions with specific references to the text, either in paraphrased form or with the use of quotations. At the opening of the novel, what is Edna’s position in life? What is expected of her in this position? Chopin likens Edna to the green and yellow parrot trapped in its cage crying for everyone to “Go away! Go away! For heaven’s sake!” (Chopin 1). Edna must keep her thoughts to herself and is confined by her family’s expectations…