...from the other. Motherhood from the “Realistic” point of view seems horrible! If someone were to ask me who I am, there is a whole list of words that I could use to describe myself, such as housewife, student, and caregiver. The social commentary of the late 19th century time period is just starting to look past the ideal woman, who was described as the “mother-woman,” to the version of femininity that is trying to be more of an equal with men. The definition of feminism is “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes” (MW 236). Nothing in that definition leads me to conclude, as Edna seems to believe, that motherhood is the one thing that will retard her individual growth. Although feminists claim that The Awakening by Kate Chopin portrays a woman stifled by a society controlled by men, ultimately the decision to act selfishly or selflessly belongs to Edna. There is more than one choice given in the text of who and what Edna could be. Edna could become the selfless “mother woman” that society is looking for, or the more selfishly motivated single woman who makes her own way in the world, but what Edna also fails to realize is that every individual has their own way of fulfilling each role. Edna has a concrete example of each of these roles to follow in her life, in Mademmoiselle Reisz and Adele Ratignolle. Both of Edna’s role models are set into certain “types” yet find a way to stray from them, and make them unique to their situation. Change...
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...“The years that are gone seem like dreams—if one might go on sleeping and dreaming—but to wake up and find—oh! well! Perhaps it is better to wake up after all, even to suffer, rather than to remain a dupe to illusions all one’s life.” Even though Edna’s awakening leads her to suffer from the wisdom and self-awareness it affords her, the year of joy and understanding that accompanies this suffering is worth more to Edna than a lifetime of the semi-conscious submission that defined her former existence. According to Edna, to live with self-awareness, possessed and controlled only by one’s own soul, offers an existence far richer than a life lived according to the restricting “illusions” that are imposed by the expectations of others. Edna Pontellier is a respectable woman of the late 1800s who not only acknowledges her sexual desires, but also has the strength and courage to act on them. Breaking through the role appointed to her by society, she discovers her own identity independent of her husband and children. Many of Kate Chopin’s other stories feature passionate, unconventional female protagonists, but none presents a heroine as openly rebellious as Edna. The details and specifics of Edna’s character are key to understanding the novel and its impact on generations of readers. At the beginning of the novel, Edna exists in a sort of semi-conscious state. She is comfortable in her marriage to Léonce and unaware of her own feelings and ambitions. Edna has always been a romantic...
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...The Awakening was published at a period in time whereby the contents of the book was considered vulgar and terrible. The book was rejected and looked down upon as being some type of scandal. The novel wasn’t recognized until after Kate Chopin dead. After her death readers began to recognize the book as being a feminist because of the fact that people began to understand the contents of the book in the newer era. The novel, “The Awakening” embodies a woman’s creativity, marriage, motherhood, and a woman’s place in society. An important part of the novel that stood out would be when Edna makes an attempt to escape the obligations and constraints of New Orleans social milieu. Every move made by Edna is caused by the tenet of society. Edna is...
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...Ecocriticism in The Awakening Nature in The Awakening was used symbolically to represent the freedom to break free from the traditional placement of women during the nineteenth century. Although The Awakening is not typically applauded for its emphasis on “nature writing”, the direct correlation between the environment and the main character’s (Edna) choice to break free from society’s tendency to categorize women as sinners or saints. Using The Awakening and Glotfelty’s definition of ecocriticism, it will be shown that the environment plays a major part in the theme of the novel. In order to fully grasp the environmental connection between what is usually determined as a “gender” novel, because of the character’s fight for an alternative path for women, it must be realized how Kate Chopin addresses nature as an alternative escape from “good or evil.” According to Glotfelty, ecocriticism “shares the fundamental premise that human culture is connected to the physical world, affecting it and affected by it” (Glotfelty). The first connection between the physical world and The Awakening would be the fact that Edna is on an island. The island represents her physical body and mind stuck in one place. The island is described as, “a breeze blowing, choppy stiff wind that whipped water into froth. It fluttered the skirts of the two women (Edna and her friend) and kept them for a while engaged in adjusting, readjusting, tucking in, securing hair pins and hat pins” (Chopin p. 16). The...
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...In her feminist novel The Awakening, Kate Chopin criticizes the sexist ideals of society. By drawing attention to the objectifying nature of 19th century marriage and romance, the confines of motherhood, and the negative reception of women’s self expression and individualism, Chopin advances her argument of the adversity women face. Throughout the novel, Chopin uses the Pontellier’s marriage- a thing of obligation to Edna, and an institution of control to Mr. Pontellier- to criticize marriage and the idea that women belong to their husbands. Chopin establishes early on that Edna, revealed to have married Mr. Pontellier to rebel against her family, feels no real love for her husband and only cares for her children somewhat despondently; she has no interest in being a tradition “mother woman.” Mr. Pontellier loves Edna,...
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...A Journey for the Lost Soul The Awakening by Kate Chopin was written during the 1800’s and was published in the year of 1899. During this time, the novel struck controversial subjects using a strong feminist tone, which underlined Chopin’s views on sex, marriage, and women of that period. In this novel, it is evident that freedom and feminism are used as interrelations of each other to express her feelings towards each subject. Some characters in The Awakening served as an encouraging force pushing Edna to go forth with her self-discoveries. In her journey, Edna travels through many stages of freedom to find herself; from exploring her creativity, to being freely aware of her sexually desires in the novel. Chopin uses the self-defining journey of Edna Pontellier to reveal her views of freedom as it relates to women, through a feminist lens during the 1800’s. According to Annetta Kelley, author of The Sparkle of Diamonds: Kate Chopin's Usage of Subtext in Stories and Novels, "The novel's most stirring poetic semblance is its continuous subliminal whispering of "the seductive, murmuring sea" (Kelley 334). Chopin uses Edna Pontellier to represent independence and free will, and the sea to represent Edna. She uses this character as a tool to exemplify her own thoughts on subjects such as sex, marriage, and what it is to be a free woman. The freedom Edna Pontellier desires so much throughout the novel becomes apparent to her primarily when she is at the beach with her...
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...Independence and equal rights for women has been a major issue around the world for over a century. The societal structure of the Victorian Era decreed that a woman was fit to be only a wife and mother (Schmoop). In Kate Chopin's The Awakening, Edna Pontellier rebels against societal expectations in order to find her true identity. Chopin shows that there’s a difference between society’s definition of femininity and some women’s inherent needs for independence, and that the path to that independence is a difficult one. Chopin uses a character juxtaposition of Adele Ratignolle and Edna Pontellier to illustrate two sides of femininity. Adele is described as having “flaming and apparent [beauty]” (Chopin 8) as well as being “the embodiment of every womanly grace and charm” (Chopin 8), while Edna is described as “rather handsome than beautiful” (Chopin 4) and “not a mother-woman” (Chopin 8). Adele is a woman created in this society’s image. She takes care of herself, sews, respects her husband, and her beauty is beyond compare. Edna, on the other hand,...
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...In a world of restraints, freedom is fruit of people's labour they may never harvest without giving themselves to the mercy of mother nature. Within a passage of her novel “The Awakening” Kate Chopin utilizes rich imagery, extended metaphor and motifs to form a symphony of literature depicting a restless woman's desire for release. This woman, Edna, is crippled by the recollection of memories, be it good or bad, as she struggles to find peace somewhere out at sea. Life can bring many memories, yet to some these memories can drown them in an ocean of anguish and agony. The Gulf seduces her luring her with pleasant imagery and sweet memories from her past. Imagery such as “gleaming with the million lights of the sun” suggests infatuation that shows the ocean as a place of beauty and enticement, bringing her in. “Thinking of the blue-grass meadow that she traversed as a kid” is an example of the happy memories she brings to mind as she swims which satisfy her enough to keep going. Additionally, the ocean not only lures her through these...
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...Unsuccessful Marriages Ultimately Leading to Death in Kate Chopin’s Stories In Kate Chopin’s novel The Awakening and her short story Desiree’s Baby, they are both led by female characters in the nineteenth century. In both works, it creates an interesting setting considering the fact of societal roles and the way women were treated in this time period. Although in different locations, both women: Edna from The Awakening and Desiree from Desiree’s Baby can relate their struggles in their marriage. In both novels, it is evident to the audience that both couples lack a strong connection and at least one partner has a detachment from the other. In The Awakening and in Desiree’s Baby, Edna and Desiree’s relationship with their husbands negatively...
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...“The Awakening” Symbolism, Irony In Kate Chopin's short story “The Awakening”, the voice of the story portrays a woman with sexual aspirations, and moral female social rules in search for independence and self discovery. The story is based on the 19th century woman. During this time women barely had any freedom, were not recognized within the society and had no choice but to me submissive to their husbands. The main character of the story named Edna is portrayed to be a happy woman because she has everything; a wealthy, attentive husband, and two children. Thoughtout the story the truth about Edna’s unhappiness is revealed. The voice of the story uses symbolism, irony, and figurative language to express Edna Pontellier’s feelings as she found her way to her happiness and freedom. Throughout the text, Chopin encourages readers to think but using situational irony. “Irony- the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.” (Merriam-Webster). While reading, readers are made to think the opposite of what actually happened at the end of the story. In the beginning of the story, Edna’s husband Leonce tells his wife to send his friend Robert away when he starts to bore her. Unknown to Leonce that he was actually the one who was boring Edna. “"Well, send him about his business when he bores you, Edna," instructed her husband as he prepared to leave.” (Chopin 1). Another example of irony is when...
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...The Awakening – Psychological Views Robert Ceneskie South University Online The Awakening, by Kate Chopin, is a novel that takes place during the nineteenth century and focuses on the point of view of Edna Pontellier, the protagonist and wife elite to an affluent Creole. The story begins at the Grand Isle resort, which is a popular vacationing stop for the wealthy from New Orleans. While at Grand Isle, Edna comes to the realization that she is longing for self-actualization and empowerment. The novel then moves to the city of New Orleans where Edna is determined to break society’s mold of women of what is expected of the time period. While in New Orleans, she pursues her desire to paint in order to achieve a sense of personal freedom. Ultimately, the story leads us back to Grand Isle where Edna has reached her lowest point in life and decides to commit suicide to end all of her pain. The novel is written with a feminist perspective in which psychoanalytical ideations plays a significant role. When one sees or hears the word psychology, the first thing that comes to mind is Sigmund Freud. His research on psychoanalysis focuses on the “repression and unconscious forces and includes the concepts of infantile sexuality, resistance, transference, and division of the psyche into the id, ego, and superego” (Farlex, 2009). Edna Pontellier is a character who exhibits the psychoanalytical concepts of Freudianism. Throughout the novel, Edna’s id plays a drastic role in her...
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...Throughout the novel, this woman never speaks. Her lack of words spoken supports the sparse independence underneath her self-believed “meaningless” life. The two lovers are obviously ressemblances of Robert and Edna, showing the life they might have had together, if they were to get together before Edna’s marriage. At multiple points throughout the novel, the lady in black follows the young lovers, only because her solitude and suffering symbolizes the eventual failure of every union and, the imminent failure of Robert and Edna’s relationship. 3.What are similarities and differences from Adele and Mademoiselle? Explain. Mademoiselle is an unconventional and unpopular older woman who serves as the inspiration to Edna throughout her chronic awakening. Mademoiselle is distant and confined with her interactions with the other people on Grand Isle. While she acts as a foil for Adèle Ratignolle, who lives the social norm of feminine lifestyle that Mademoiselle Reisz rejects for solitude and freedom. Adele is the opposite of Mademoiselle Reisz, Adèle is a loyal wife and mother, the exact model of nineteenth-century womanhood. Adèle spends her days taking care of her children, performing domestic duties, and ensuring the happiness of her family. Although, Adèle is comfortable and happy with her simple, conventional lifestyle, she unknowingly hurried Edna’s movement away from such a lifestyle. The creole women in the story are clearly pure and very moral, so society allows them to speak openly...
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...Like the tide, the sensual pull of the ocean attracts Edna to freedom. The novella The Awakening is set around the ocean. Chopin sets her main character Edna, in New Orleans and the Grand Isle to constantly entice Edna with the ocean and the freedom that it represents. At the beginning of the book Edna’s connection to the ocean is weak due to her inability to swim. After Edna swims for the first time and continues to practice the ocean’s sensuality starts to pull her in. Chopin relates Edna to the ocean in a parallel way to help express Edna’s crave for freedom. The last chapter in The Awakening Edna takes her life in the ocean that has been enticing her throughout the novella through sensualism and sets herself free. The ocean is a symbol...
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...The movie the Awakenings was interesting to sit through. It was not only a film about mediocre medical breakthroughs but it was a story giving hope to all those who enjoyed it. The Awakening was based on the real life story Oliver Sacks, a British author and case study enthusiast. His work was mainly focused on people with neurological disorders. In the film he is a character known as Malcolm Sayer. In the film, Oliver Sacks works in a psychiatric unit for people with neurological disorders. The patients are basically believed to be immobile. They have troubles speaking well and having their word make sense. They also couldn’t really do anything for themselves. They had a rough time doing just about anything for themselves. Their conditions were similar to that of Parkinson’s disease. The patients were in a state of mental and psychological sleep. So the patients weren’t very aware but the were awake....
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...overshadowed by the lingering effect it has on the reader of hopelessness. This allows Chopin to transcend the boundaries of the page and use death as a dire commentary on unrealistic nature of absolute agency for women of the time. Moreover, Emily Toth (1991) suggests that this breach may be a deliberate allusion to Chopin being forced to have Edna commit suicide to “accommodate the moral demands publishers and readers would place on a woman who committed such transgressions”. Although this is certainly a valid idea, the narrative itself achieves this stark realism without a biographical reading. Ultimately, Chopin’s use of realism casts death as symbolic of enduring patriarchal oppression. The central theme of Chopin’s novella is the “awakening” of a women and the realisation of the power and potential in herself, yet this ultimately concludes in death. Thus, Chopin treats death and dying as an inevitability and as a metaphor for the unobtainability of a revolutionarily “New Woman”. Chopin uses death to emphasise that within this socio-historic context, the degree of freedom that Edna sought was unobtainable and that her only option to remain unconquered by life was, ironically, to die. ...
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