Throughout the novel, The Awakening, Edna Pontelier’s struggles with the discovery of her personal identity due to society’s social conduct which she had previously been blindly following. After undergoing an “awakening” to such confinements, it is highly suggested at the end of the novel that Edna committed suicide. Edna’s suicide is surrounded by a sense of ambiguity in regards to the motives influencing it, thus making it one of the more fascinating aspects of the novel. The quote is significant because it allows the reader to draw their own conclusions and interpretations, as Chopin does not outwardly express any particular point of view regarding Edna’s suicide. Therefore, the connotation of and motivation for her death is called into …show more content…
She is finally able to achieve victory over the society that discouraged her individuality and oppressed her identity. Analyzing her as a figure who embodies a myriad of feminist ideals can lead to a conclusion that Edna committed suicide thoughtfully to liberate herself of all her expectations and duties that she had distanced herself from. As she becomes more self-aware, Edna begins to resent her obligations to her husband, to her family, and to upholding a good name in society. The ideology of the dominant culture in The Awakening is quite similar to the society in which Chopin lived, thus leading to the negative criticisms surrounding her novel. However, just like Edna, Chopin did not follow the stereotypical lifestyle expected of a women in that day. Furthermore, just like Chopin’s novel was condemned, Edna’s actions were condemned by both the characters in the novel and readers in real life as neither could comprehend her self-absorbed …show more content…
In the summer, Edna gradually begins to free herself of the responsibilities she possesses and transforms into a rebellious individualist. Her final act of self-discovery involves giving up her life to preserve her sense of self. In the end, Enda relinquishes everything to the sea, and does not give anything up that can be