The Awakening Essay Questions

The Awakening Essay Questions
David Reich
Period 7
Mrs. Adams
The Awakening Questions
1. One parallel between the song and the book is they both show an awakening against oppression.
In the song the line "take this pink ribbon off my eyes" is showing the desire to "wake up". Later
Edna realizes that she can become free by swimming, "A feeling of exultation overtook her, as if
some power of significant import had been given her to control the working of her body and her
soul" (Chopin 29).
2. The credo shaped her novel by introducing a theme of solitude. Throughout the novel Chopin
includes solitude to show the negative effects freedom can have on an individual instead of on
society. "But when she was there beside the sea, absolutely alone, she stood naked in the open ...
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The reader thinks Edna might just be frustrated with her husband. As the novel shifts to New
Orleans, it is clear that she has changed. Edna starts to feel motivated to take action. Finally the
setting comes back to Grand Isle, and it is the climax of Edna's awakening. It is also where she
drowns herself. Nobody know for sure whether it was intentional or not since Chopin said, "Even as
a child she had lived her own small life all within herself. At a very early period she had
apprehended instinctively the dual life–that outward existence which conforms, the inward life
which questions"(Chopin 58).
7. Romanticism put a lot of influence on changing, and in the novel Edna is influenced by art to
transform herself. As the book progresses Edna learns to do what she wants even if it defied normal
social guidelines for women. Chopin makes this easy to see when she says, "But when she was there
beside the sea, absolutely alone, she stood naked in the open air..." (Chopin 124).
8. Freedom is found in the book through symbolism. The caged birds in the novel are a constant
reminder of Edna's own encagement to society. Edna gets brief periods of time where she feels like
she is free. Like when she learns to swim, "A feeling of exultation overtook her, as if some power of
significant import had been given her to control the working of her body and her soul" (Chopin 29).
As Edna is heading toward the beach so she can drown herself she sees some of her
... Get more on HelpWriting.net ...

Comparing Kate Chopin's Life And Literature
Kate Chopin was born in St. Louis, Missouri on February 8, 1850. She was the second child of
Thomas O´Flaherty and Eliza Faris. Kate attended the St. Louis Academy of the sacred Heart. Kate
had a very hard childhood due to the death of her father in a railroad accident then followed by the
death of her grandmother. Since she grew up surrounded and mentored by woman, her mother, the
sister, and the nuns, she grew to be dependent and began to rely only on herself. People that have
studied her life say that she descends from an eccentric and strong–willed line of woman. As she
grew older she soon became aware of feminist social issues and became rebellious, complaining of
the parties a belle was expected to attend, and of the young men at dances. She began to smoke
ciggerates and wrote a feminist fable, Emancipation. The works of Jane Austin, the Bronte sisters,
George Elicit, and George sands inspired her to continue to express herself ... Show more content on
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They make a list of challenged books in order to inform the public about censorship efforts that
affect libraries and schools. The awakening was criticized for being immoral and scandalous. After
this novel was met with such scathing reviews, Chopin never wrote another novel. The awakening is
now considered an important work in Feminist Literature. Within these extremes was a range of
mixed responses, generally more negative than positive about Chopin's writing skills. The negative
responses came to the point of disgust and alarm about the character and behavior of the heroin.
Readers and scholars have been discussing the novels themes for a hundred years, and their views
vary widely. Early critics condemned the book for its immoral moral treatment of adultery, and some
readers today share the same

Critical Analysis Of The Awakening
The Awakening LAP #3 Prompt #3 Ivan Jimenez Period 3 AP Literature and Composition 10/27/17
Just like a coin that is divided into heads and tails humanity is divided into male and female. Both
are human just the same but equality is a matter that women have never completely attained. As for
almost all of human history women were oppressed by men. Living under patriarchal societies
women were forced to conform with their roles as housewives. They were told to keep quiet and
were never allowed to realize their true potential as human beings. If women showed any opposition
at all they were often silenced and kept under control by their husbands. In our modern day society
women have come a long way in terms of social standing so this is no ... Show more content on
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Leonce Pontellier truly is a man of his time. The values he possesses are very traditional in that he
believes women should be the ones taking care of the children and the men should be the financial
providers. He expresses disappointment in the fact that his own wife doesn't meet the standards
other women have set forth. From his perspective, Edna should stop neglecting her kids and focus
more on their well being instead of her female individuality. This is extremely ironic as he neglects
his kids all the time and does virtually none of the parenting himself simply handing it off to Edna.
In this way he was trying to control his own wife's existence by keeping her further from her true
identity. The way Leonce viewed his wife would soon change as well. Moreover, Leonce is a
successful businessman and it is his profession that has allowed him to live the life he has. Even
though he never says it himself his inner thoughts are brought to light and presented "Mr. Pontellier
was very fond of walking about his house examining its various appointments and details , to see
that nothing was amiss. He greatly valued his possessions, chiefly because they were his, and
derived genuine pleasure from contemplating a painting , a statuette, a rare lace curtain –no matter
what– after he had bought it and placed it among household gods.(Chopin 50)". Leonce
unsurprisingly is very materialistic like many upper class men of

Theme Of Feminism In The Awakening
In 1899 Kate Chopin published the novel The Awakening. The novel sparked controversy of the
female role in the Victorian era, because people were shocked that a female could go to such deep
depths of adultery and betrayal to her husband. The feminist movement had just recently started to
appear in America at the time The Awakening was published. In this research paper, I will be
discussing the major theme of feminism, and how throughout the novel Edna learns more and more
about herself as a woman that she did not know before her awakening. Edna learns about herself as
a wife, a mother, and a lover. I will also be discussing the many symbols the novel portrayed, a few
being, the use of bird imagery, the piano, and when Edna swims for the first time. It is apparent in
the beginning of The Awakening that Edna Pontellier has her head in the clouds about life and the
people around her. She is aware of her surroundings but there is a noticeable uncertainty about her.
During what is called her "awakening" Edna experiences a whole new outlook on her simple life.
She escapes the social standards of an average Victorian woman in her time, and learns to think and
do as she pleases. This rebellious self journey of freedom ultimately leads her spiraling to her death.
The major theme in The Awakening is feminism. At the time the novel was published the average
female's role was to obey and listen to her husband, a woman was seen as property of her husband.
Edna Pontellier, the

The Awakening Critical Analysis
The Awakening by Kate Chopin Critical Analysis
The novel, The Awakening by Kate Chopin, was written during the late 19th century, when the
feminist movement was in its infancy. During that era, the novel was yet to be discovered and the
few considered it as a disgrace. Many thought that it portrayed a negative example of how a women
should think and behave. Women during that era expected the book to be more "sophisticated" and
"ladylike," but Chopin had a different view of how women should be portrayed. Today, this novel is
a famous classic, read in many schools, and praised by many feminist. Readers can easily surmise
the story's theme: finding one's identity is not easy. The characters and the setting in this novel
contribute to ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
In order for her to do this, she is inspired and influenced by two main characters who help shape the
"Inner Edna."
Two characters that play a significant role in Edna's life have a positive and a slightly negative effect
in her awakening. The first character that has a positive and slightly negative effect in Edna's life is
Adele Ratignolle. Adele was a Creole woman who cared for her three children, loved her husband,
was beautiful, followed society's norms, and was respected in her society. Adele positively
influenced Edna's life when she acted as a "mother" towards Edna, by often worrying about her and
giving her advice. However, Adele was a negative influence in Edna's awakening because she tried
stopping the "Inner Edna" from coming out. In the novel, Adele advises her to "think of the
children" (Chopin 170). She urges Edna to consider the power of motherhood as a special virtue.
Adele knew that Edna wanted to be free and liberated from following society's norms and knew that
Edna wanted to be completely independent. This meant that if she chose to let the "Inner Edna"
come out she would leave behind her husband and two children, because either way Edna never saw
herself as a "mother–women" anyway. In the novel Edna says, "I would give my money, I would
give my life for my children, but I wouldn't give myself" (Chopin 53).
The second character who positively influenced

The Awakening By Kate Chopin
The Awakening
By: Kate Chopin
Emely Maldonado
AP LIT
Period 3
Topic 3
Maldonado 1
Displacement
The late 1800s and the 1900s was a prison for woman's individuality. During this time period,
stereotypical views of women were commenced by society and men. In the era that the novel, The
Awakening by Kate Chopin was published, the gender roles were graved in stone, men would work
to maintain their family and women would adhere to the house–hold duties. Dissatisfaction with the
labels put on individuals can result in the loss of identity and the desire for independence outside of
society. Edna Pontellier, the protagonist, is in search for social liberation, and fundamentally ends up
self–destructing herself by taking an action she believes can only be controlled by herself. A part of
Edna wants to meet the standards of mother and wife that society has set, however, her biggest
desire is to be a woman free from the oppression of a society that is male dominant. Women like
Edna were viewed as possessions and trophies. She was indulged into her husband's rules and
expectations. The men in Edna's life, such as Leonce Pontellier, Robert Lebrun, and Alcee Arobin
try to oppress her freedom, thus, she never finds peace until she ends her life. At the root of Edna's
journey to adultery is her husband, Leonce, who ultimately fails to satisfy her desires as a woman.
Society and her father, forced her to get married. Therefore, marrying Leonce was an impulsive

Analysis Of The Awakening By Kate Chopin
Landon McNellage
Mr. McNellage
AP Literature (2nd)
7 February 2017
The Awakening by Kate Chopin The Victorian mindset–a demeanor of setting women as having a
role of nothing more than a submissive wife and household aid. The Awakening showcases this
mindset through the enlightening of characteristics and qualities of several characters throughout the
novel. Edna Pontellier, at the age of twenty–eight, is revealed throughout the novel as obtaining a
gradual change of self–view of placement in society and life. Throughout the novel, this drastic
change and endurance of hardships are demonstrated through the setting, tone, overall progression
of events, symbolism, and example of other characters. Chopin begins the novel by revealing the
setting, ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Mademoiselle Reisz enlightened Edna on the idea that a bird who rises above the societal norms
they were faces with must have strong wings or else it will fall back down. This bird with strong
wings symbolizes the way in which Edna felt following her first swim. She felt invincible, and she
felt as if she could accomplish anything she set her mind to–even if it was unheard of during the late
1800s. However, the advice Mademoiselle Reisz offered Edna unfortunately was used as a
foreshadow for what was to come. The bird, Edna's emotions and feelings, did fall back down and
crash. This was evident after Robert left Edna a note, and she realized her chances at love were over.
Not too long afterwards, Edna headed to swim one last time. On her way to the shore, she spotter a
bird with a broken wing. This week bird was the last symbol of Edna's feelings–she was broken
hearted, depressed, and uncertain. However, she still chose to have the independence she fought for
so long for, and she decided to end her life in the pit of all of the depression. She refused to allow
anything else to be taken away. This emotional hill of rising and falling only demonstrates further all
of the indifference Edna had to endure. The overall symbolism used by Chopin demonstrates both
Edna's actual situational difficulty and emotional difficulty that are pointed back

The Awakening Feminism Analysis
Though it was not common during the 1800's, some women did not want to assume the traditional
role of a typical Victorian lady. In Kate Chopin's The Awakening, this is just the case; she introduces
us to Edna Pontellier a mother and wife during the said era. Throughout the story, we follow Edna's
journey of self–discovery and self–expression through emotions, art, and sex thanks to the help of
people she meets along the way. Chopin decides to end the book with Edna's suicide to try to convey
a sense of liberation from her repressed life, but was the reasoning behind her suicide what everyone
else thinks? Consequently, this said journey took me along for the ride, and I had no complaints. As
Edna figured out who she was, I felt as if I was with her every step of the way. Even though at
points I did not understand some of the decisions she chose to make, I stood by her till the end. The
Awakening is no doubt a story of independence and a coming of age, where instead of becoming an
adult she is becoming Edna the person she has been longing to be, told through symbolism, imagery,
and personification. But contrary to what some may believe this is not a feminist.
CHARACTER:
Kate Chopin's characters vary from round and flat depending on who it is. While we see Edna
change through the story (round), her husband Laurence way of staying the same throughout the
book (flat). As for the characters believability, the answer is yes; Given this story took place in the
late 1800's the

Kate Chopin's The Awakening Critical Analysis
"When Kate Chopin's The Awakening was published in 1899, it immediately created controversies
among the literary critics and scholars of the late Victorian period who were outraged by her
depiction of a woman protagonist with active sexual desires, who dares to leave her husband and her
children, falls in love with a man younger than her, and has an affair with another man" ("Kate
Chopin's The Awakening in the Light of Freud's Structural Model of the Psyche"). Kate Chopin's
The Awakening reveals how Edna Pontellier, the protagonist of the novel, faces an identity crisis,
which commenced her on a journey to the "awakening" of her true self, as well as her "awakening"
of the sexual desires that had been untapped due to this conformity to societal ... Show more content
on Helpwriting.net ...
Kate Chopin puts forth the main struggle for women during this era – the protagonist undergoes
sexual commencement in a fight for identity and independence. Consequently, Edna's growth in
self–awareness has alienated her from society's cultural norms demanded by the family as well as
the outside world and other community customs. Moreover, Edna is reminded of the reality of her
life when Robert tells her, "you were not free; you were Leonce Pontellier's wife" (Baym 645). Her
temporary feelings of independence will not last in spite of how liberated she may feel. The only
way she can dodge her responsibilities in society and home is by drowning herself in the ocean.
Bottom line of the novel is her death is another form of rebirth – her ultimate awakening. She is
incapable of balancing the desire for relationships with others along with her desire for

The Central Themes Of Edna, By Edna's Awakening
THEME: Though there are several themes in this novel, the central theme that connects them all is
identity and finding who you are and where you belong in life and society. At the beginning of the
novel, we see Edna is portrayed as typical mother and wife; "Looking at them reminded her of her
rings, which she had given to her husband before leaving for the beach. She silently reached out to
him, and he, understanding, took the rings from his vest pocket and dropped them into her open
palm. She slipped them upon her fingers" (1). Once Edna decides to live life the way she wants that
is thrown out the window. The reason for this is due to Edna's second side. She is said to have two
sides "Even as a child, she had lived her own small life all within herself. At a very early period she
had apprehended instinctively the dual life–that outward existence which conforms, the inward life
which questions" (7). The "sides" refer to as her inner and outer self. Edna's outer self is the person
who everyone around tells/wants her to be; Her inner self is the Edna that longs to be free, she wants
to do what she feels like without people judging her. This is why the theme is identity from start to
finish Edna is struggling between who others want her to be vs. what she wants to be.
TONE, STYLE: The tone of The Awakening is one of a somber, serious, and solemn. The reason
Kate Chopin choice for the use of a serious tone is from the third person point of view to feel more
like you are

Feminism In The Awakening
Though it was uncommon during the 1800's, some women didn't want to assume the traditional role
of a typical Victorian lady. Such is the case in Kate Chopin 's The Awakening; she introduces us to
Edna Pontellier a mother and wife during the said era. Throughout the story, we follow Edna 's
journey of self–discovery and self–expression through emotions, art, and sex thanks to the help of
people she meets along the way. Chopin decides to end the book with Edna's suicide in an attempt to
convey a sense of liberation from her repressed life, but was the reasoning behind her suicide what
everyone else thinks? Consequently, this said journey took me along for the ride, and I had no
complaints. As Edna figured out who she was, I felt as if I was ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
The Awakening's protagonist is Edna Pontellier; She is a twenty–eight years old mother of two.
Consequently, her appearance is slight that of what a mother should look like, she possesses "quick
and bright" eyes, which compliment her thick, wavy, yellowish brown hair" (9); While Edna 's
physique is "poise and movement" (27). Despite this, Edna does not want to assume the role of a
mother; Edna wants to be free from social assumptions of what a lady and even mother should be
during the 1800's. Independence is her goal, and she is not letting anything, or anyone gets in her
way. This is why she has an affair with Robert Lebrun. Edna is symbolized in the story through
multiple birds, which in the end tell a story in and of itself Leonce Pontellier, the husband of Edna,
is the story 's antagonist. He is materialistic, due to him being a wealthy businessman, and also forty
years old. His high status came at a cost; he is very concerned with appearance and how others view
him."The way to become rich is to make money, my dear Edna, not to save it," he said. He regretted
that she did not feel inclined to go with him and select new fixtures. He kissed her goodbye, and told
her she was not looking well and must take care of herself. She was unusually pale and very quiet"
(18). He also treats Edna as mere property "You are burnt beyond recognition," he added, looking at
his wife as one

The Awakening By Kate Chopin And The House On Mango Street
Freedom. A goal. A liberty. A myth. So many descriptions for a single concept. Yet the main idea is
the same: to be free of restrictions, free to be whatever you wish. It is a life necessity, one that was,
unfortunately, and still is, restricted throughout history, resulting in many chasing after its
acquisition. Humans currently live in a time, in several nations, where freedom is a right, a necessity
of life freely given. However, throughout history, freedom has been kept to only a minority,
resulting in individuals struggling to change society for freedom to be distributed to the majority of
people, a battle that took years, centuries to accomplish. This fight for true autonomy took many
forms, both violent and peaceful. Literary works, in particular, have been major agents to this cause,
serving as both reminders of those struggles and remembrance to readers of the endeavors those
authors sought to accomplish. Two particular works, The Awakening by Kate Chopin and The House
on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, spearheaded movements for freedom by tackling the prejudice
of gender roles, expressing through their novels' characters and experiences the arguments for
individual freedom and the challenges that must be conquered to achieve those goals for future
generations.
The Awakening by Kate Chopin was written at the end of the nineteenth century in a time where
freedom was granted based off of a bias: only white males could truly experience independence.
Hoping to provide

Symbols In The Awakening, By Kate Chopin
The Awakening Unit Final Essay
In the novel, The Awakening, by Kate Chopin, the author explores several themes, including
independence and a woman's role in society and at home, by using other characters in the novel such
as Adele Ratingnolle, Mariequita, and Robert Lebrun, as foils for Edna Pontellier.
These characters also influence Edna's final choice by the end of the novel, which stands in contrast
to other possible endings.
Adele Ratignolle serves as one of the main foils in the story. She is the perfect "motherwoman"
model, one that Edna, according to Victorian society, should try to imitate, but chooses not to. While
at Grand Isle, Adele "was busily engaged in sewing upon a diminutive pair of night–drawers," but
Edna, "could not see the use of ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
These characters play an influence on Edna's final choice, drowning herself after she has her final
awakenings. The struggle Edna experiences with society, her family, and herself in novel are the
author's ideas of what women from the nineteenth–century until today experience. Chopin wrote this
novel to inspire women to listen to their hearts and to give them strength to put anything they want
into action. Although Edna's death can be seen negative, it also empowers a woman's strength.
Every theme Chopin employs in the novel, I believe every woman can relate to, but the theme I
relate
Alvizures 5 most is independence because it applies to my current lifestyle with my family. I
consider myself independent, a self–sufficient lady, but my parents are having a hard time
understanding that their child is growing up and is becoming a young woman. There are moments
when I can't make my own decisions because they still picture me as their elementary child. I have
worked very hard

Why Is Kate Chopin Important
The Author and Her Times World renowned feminist author, Kate Chopin was born in the city St.
Louis Missouri on February 8, 1850. Before her death on August, 22, 1904, she wrote hundreds of
short stories, many of which focused on the lives and rights of women. Many of her short stories
were published in America's well–known magazines. When she Chopin was only five years of age,
her successful businessman father was killed in a tragic railroad accident in 1855, she grew up
during the Civil War and live with her widowed grandmother and mother. Following her father's
death Chopin was living with strong, independent and intelligent women, she received great
mentoring and knowledge by the women in her family. In 1863 she loses her grandmother and her
half–brother, In 1885 she loses her mother, despite losing the powerful female role models that
influenced her work and life she continued to write short stories, essays, and poems. ... Show more
content on Helpwriting.net ...
However when she finished the novel in 1898 and published it in 1899 the novel did not receive
well reviews from critics being that the novel was widely condemned, it caused uproar in society.
Many disagreed with its "vulgar" and grotesque content, her novel was also banned from her local
library. Seeing that the social norm for women in Chopin's era were to obey one's' spouse's, The
Awakening did just the opposite, it influenced women to rebel against their husbands and to stand up
against their controlling demands. The unorthodox views on women's issues is seen as a landmark of
early feminism this is primarily the reason why so many critiqued her novel. In August 22, 1904, her
work was merely forgotten until scholars recognizes the novel's insight. Slowly Chopin's work was
being read worldwide, she attracted the attention of students and scholars. Today she is known as a
classic writer who expressed her thoughts, concerns, and opinions on the rights of

The Theme Of Criticism In The Awakening By Kate Chopin
Kate Chopin uses these incidences with Edna's lovers to express Edna's spark of feminism. Edna
first begins to realize that she is a human being, and that she has feelings too. The way Edna tells
Robert that she is not a possession show that she is fed up with being treated like a piece of meat.
This is the rise of her feminism; she finally started thinking about her feelings. Within The
Awakening, Kate Chopin uses the freeness of the scenery to instigate Edna's awakening. Grand Isle
is an island on the gulf coast of Louisiana; it is located a little over two hours south of New Orleans,
LA. Surrounding the island is the Gulf of Mexico. Kate Chopin writes, "The voice of the sea is
seductive; never ceasing, whispering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander for a spell
in abysses of solitude; to lose itself in mazes of inward contemplation. The voice of the sea speaks to
the soul. The touch of the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace" (14; ch. 6).
The scenery of The Awakening helps create free scenery with the Gulf of Mexico stretching out as
far as the eye can see. Being in such a natural and free place surrounded by nature opens Edna's
eyes. The ocean is an open and free place full of and surrounded by wildlife. This is why Edna's
eyes are opened when she visits Grand Isle. She longs for the freedom that is displayed in the setting
of the island. John R. May writes, " Kate Chopin appeals subtly to all of the reader's senses, and her

Demoralization In The Awakening
To demoralize someone is to dishearten or discourage them and cause them to lose hope. Kate
Chopin uses words like "depressed" (56), "hopeless" (56) and "despondency" (p115) to describe
Edna, the heroine, in The Awakening. Coupling this description with Edna taking her life at the end
of the novel and Chopin's own inferred demoralization, due to the almost universal aversion to The
Awakening, the natural conclusion is that it is a work of "great personal demoralization",
(Companion 5) as Michael Levenson states. Levenson suggests most modernist authors and artists
paint a bleak picture of their time period because they are demoralized. Although the portrait Chopin
paints of female oppression in 1899 is to some degree demoralizing, the ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Mrs. Pontellier's soul is shaken, causing a seismic shift in her, but she is not the only one affected as
all of the partygoers were moved by Mademoiselle Reisz's performance. This alludes to Kate
Chopin's desire to inspire her audience in the same manner as she purposely chooses a piece of
music by the renowned composer Frederic Chopin. She suggests that art is an important aspect of an
awakening as it has the ability to touch the soul. In the next scene Mrs. Pontellier suddenly learns to
swim and Chopin describes, "A feeling of exultation overtook her, as if some power of significant
import had been given her to control the working of her body and her soul." (p27). Mrs. Pontellier
now fully awake realizes that she has control over body, she has autonomy, and Chopin emphasizes
her individuality by referring to her as Edna. Her awakening is important because in 1899, women
did not have autonomy; their main purpose was domesticity. The church and patriarchy reined over
women who were the property of their husbands and considered inferior to men with no sexual
desire. Chopin presents Mr. Pontellier as a perfect specimen of late nineteenth century patriarchy.
Some women thrive in this culture as Chopin demonstrates through Mrs. Ratignolle. However, for
many women, like Edna this world was suffocating. The natural reaction to this oppression is
feminism, but Chopin does not preach feminism in her novel.

Personal Demoralization In The Awakening
Personal Demoralization in The Awakening
To demoralize someone is to dishearten or discourage them and cause them to lose hope. Kate
Chopin uses words like "depressed" (56), "hopeless" (56) and "despondency" (p115) to describe
Edna Pontellier, the heroine, in The Awakening. Coupling this description with Edna taking her life
at the end of the novel and Chopin's own inferred demoralization, due to the universal aversion to
The Awakening, the natural conclusion is that it is a work of "great personal demoralization",
(Companion 5) as Michael Levenson states. Levenson suggests most modernist authors and artists
paint a bleak picture of their time period because they are demoralized. Although the portrait Chopin
paints of female oppression ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
But the very passions themselves were aroused within her soul..." (p26). Mrs. Pontellier's soul is
shaken and her deepest emotions aroused causing a seismic shift in her soul. Kate Chopin notes that
all of the partygoers were moved by Mademoiselle Reisz's performance of renowned composer
Frederic Chopin's music. This alludes to Kate Chopin's desire to inspire her audience, through her
novel, in the same manner as Mrs. Reisz and the importance of art as it can penetrate the soul. In the
next scene Mrs. Pontellier suddenly learns to swim and Chopin describes, "A feeling of exultation
overtook her, as if some power of significant import had been given her to control the working of
her body and her soul." (p27). Mrs. Pontellier, now fully awake, realizes that she has control over
body, she has autonomy, and Chopin emphasizes her individuality by referring to her as Edna.
Edna's awakening is important because in 1899, women did not have autonomy; their main purpose
was domesticity. The church and patriarchy reined over women who were the property of their
husbands and considered inferior to men with no sexual desire. Chopin presents Mr. Pontellier as a
perfect specimen of late nineteenth century patriarchy. Some women thrive in this culture as Chopin
demonstrates through Mrs. Ratignolle. However, for many women, like Edna this world was
suffocating. The natural reaction to this oppression is feminism, but Chopin does not preach
feminism

The Theme Of Romanticism In The Awakening By Kate Chopin
Some of the motives of the book the awakening were music, children, and houses. Music gives us a
sense of Edna ideological alignment in relations with the others characters. Edna first learns about
the emotive powers of music from Mademoiselle Reisz, whereas Adele Ratignole piano playing is
sentimental for Edna. When Adele is playing the piano it stirs new feelings and emotions in her. The
children relate to Edna because she sees a form of rebirth as she discovers the world from a child
perspective, the side of her childishness is admirable, she becomes self–absorbed and she never
thinks realistically about the future or the consequences of her actions. Edna and Robert used to
have a romantic encounter in that place, it connects with Edna because ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Audiences accustomed to the pieties of late Victorian romantic fiction were taken aback by Chopin's
daring portrayal of a woman trapped in a stifling marriage, who seeks and finds passionate physical
love outside the straitened confines of her domestic situation". Kate Chopin. Aside from it, it is
unusually frank treatment of a then–controversial subject, the novel is widely admired today for its
literary qualities. Edmund Wilson characterized it as a work "quite uninhibited and beautifully
written, which anticipates D. H. Lawrence in its treatment of infidelity." Source Although the theme
of marital infidelity no longer shocks, few novels have plumbed the psychology of a woman
involved in an illicit relationship with the perception, artistry, and honesty that Kate Chopin used in
this book. Edna attempts to find self–definition by creating a lifestyle and start to act more like a
man. She sees men are allowed to live lives of plenty sexual fulfillment, while not being care for
their children's. All this start when Leonce goes to New York and Raoul and Etienne go Iberville to
stay with their grandmother. "A radiant peace settled upon her when she at last found herself alone.
Even when the children went" (Chopin 80).Edna feels like she's in peace when she is by herself,
alone in the

The Awakening Feminist Analysis
The Awakening by Kate Chopin depicts the "awakening" of a lady named Edna Pontellier. Set in
New Orleans (Chopin 1), this novel follows Edna as she skirmishes with the life she is living and
the life she wants to live. Moreover, one could view Edna as a model of feminism in her time.
Chopin conveyed many feminist ideas throughout her writings in a time where it was uncommon;
Chopin wrote The Awakening in "a time when married women held no legal rights over their bodies
and when few other female and feminist writers hazarded openly to explore a woman's sexual
desire" (Beer, et al 88). Chopin expresses feminist ideas through the actions of Edna Pontellier,
supporting characters, and how Edna's husband both treats his wife and his stereotypical view of
women. Throughout the novel, Edna becomes dissatisfied with her life, and decides that something
needs to change. Right from the beginning of the novel, Edna immediately defies her husband when
she feels she is being treated incorrectly. " She said nothing, and refused to answer her husband
when he questioned her" (Chopin 6). These subtle defiances monsoons into greater ones,
transforming Edna into a radical feminist. As Enda starts to realize what she desires, she figures out
that "love and sex do not necessarily coincide in the same object of desire" (Beer, et al 90). Edna
decides to leave her husband, saying that " I am no longer one of Mr. Pontellier's possessions to
dispose of or not. I give myself where I choose"(Chopin 108). Edna leaving her husband shows her
independence from her husband; she decides she is done with the stereotypes that women are placed
in during this time. Edna also undergoes a sexual realization. " Edna grapples with the conflict
between her romantic and sexual impulses, both urging her towards adultery" (Beer, et al 91).
Between her love for Robert (Chopin 91) and her affair with Alcée (Chopin 92), her departure from
her husband allows her to sexually explore, thus making her more independent. All of the events
described depict Edna's feminist attitudes towards her life. Even though Edna is a prime example of
a feminist figure, she isn't the sole feminist character in the novel. Another illustration of a feminist
character is

Mademoiselle Reisz Analysis
The Influences of the Mademoiselle Reiz on the development of Edna Pontellier: Edna is the
protagonist of The Awakening by Kate Chopin. She is the wife of a New Orleans businessman. She
is not content with her marriage and the lifestyle that she must conform to. She changes from her
role as a devoted wife and mother to a woman who becomes engrossed in discovering her own
identity. She then goes through a series of experiences to satisfy herself mentally, emotionally, and
sexually. She changes from the woman of those times, who always stuck to conformity, to someone
who worries and is only responsible for herself. It is Mademoiselle who influences her to become
awakened in such a way. However this very awakening will be her downfall. She will then begin to
isolate herself from those around her and eventually choose suicide as an escape. A main factor
towards the development of Edna would be Mademoiselle Reiz. Her influence plays a vital role
towards her awakening and change to her life style. From the moment she heard Reiz play she had
begun to be influenced. "The very first chords Mademoiselle Reisz struck on the piano sent a keen
tremor down Mrs. Pontellier's spinal column. It was not the first time she had heard an artist at the
piano. Perhaps it was the first time she was ready, perhaps the first time her being was tempered to
take an impress of the abiding truth." (Chopin 29) . It can be said that the change in Edna was
sparked by this very moment. From here on Edna

Water Symbolism In The Awakening
Water can be identified as a symbol that embodies the very essence of Kate Chopin's The
Awakening. This "feminist" novel depicts the life of Edna Pontellier and explores the many daunting
themes of identity, women and their roles in society, and independence; all of which, during the
nineteenth century, were extremely sensitive and daring topics. In a nutshell, the novel is truly about
her "awakening", which is portended by its title. What allows this is water, which stands to represent
Edna's awakening. It is no coincidence that much of her time at Grand Isle was spent at the beach or
in the water, or that her infamous death was due to drowning. Similarities like these do not just
occur: they give purpose to the novel's plot and meaning. ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net
...
It is also, though, the thing that kills her. While Chopin's work is technically classified as a feminist
novel, many question if this writing has been appropriately labeled. The reason for this dispute is
because of Edna's apparent suicide. While she may appear weak and her drowning may appear as
defeat, her suicide is an important part of her awakening. Her death is the final step towards a
complete transition. As morbid as it may seem, Edna was never going to be happy in a world so
constricting and limiting. The only way to complete and arrant freedom was to liberate herself from
a life full of impedances and griefs. Her demise was actually her birth, allowing her soul to live
eternally awakened. Edna's life and death is cyclical, where she is born and eventually dies, only to
be reborn. The only thing connecting each phase of her life is water, serving as the guide for her
newly aroused being. It is the fuel to the fire, the light that induces and triggers the changes within
her. Readers can see this cyclical aspect of water when Chopin utilizes the same phrases at her death
and at the commencement of the novel, where she first learns to swim. "The voice of the sea is
seductive, never ceasing, whispering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander in abysses
of solitude," (Chopin 203). Edna still feels enticed to the water, but

Symbolism In The Awakening
Emy Maldonado
Alexis Mejia
Mrs. Jacoby
AP Literature Per.5
16 September 2017
The Awakening by Kate Chopin follows the life and emotional identity of Mrs. Pontellier (Edna), a
woman living in the late 1800s. While in vacation with her family in Grand Isle she discovers
feelings she'd never encountered and her ability to question and drift from social standards. Kate
Chopin using Setting, Characters, and Point of view in the novel illustrates the emotions of Edna
Pontellier and her struggle to find herself.
The Setting being in 1899 in The Awakening is important because of the restrictive society Edna is
in. The story wouldn't make sense if it took place somewhere where everything she would do was
acceptable, or somewhere she could get divorced. The creoles customs play an important part in
Edna's awakening to being passionate. Edna's vacation at Grand Isle is also a key part of her
awakening considering that's where Edna experiences change in her mindset and begins to question
her role in society. Not only that but the novel begins and ends in Grand Isle. Her repetitive
swimming into the ocean awaken Edna in a very physical way."A feeling of exultation overtook her,
as if some power of significant import had been given her to control the working of her body and
her soul. She grew daring and reckless, overestimating her strength. She wanted to swim far out,
where no woman had swum before."(Chapter 10). Swimming also Symbolizes her attempt to defy
the norms of society.

The Traditional Role Of Women In Kate Chopin's The Awakening
The role of women has been to get married and have children for many years. It is only within
recent years that women have begun to break out of this traditional role; however, the traditional,
and arguably sexist, role of women can be seen in most literature, such as The Awakening, by Kate
Chopin. Chopin critiques the traditional role of women through the characterization of Madame
Ratignolle and Edna Pontellier In The Awakening, Kate Chopin contrasts Madame Ratignolle and
Edna Pontellier in order to develop a critique on motherhood. In this book, Chopin argues that
women are only useful for getting married, having kids, cooking, and cleaning. In the time period
that this book takes place, a perfect woman was someone who "idolized their children, worshiped
their husbands, and esteemed it a holy privilege to efface themselves as individuals and grow wings
as ministering angels" (Chopin 12). Typically, a woman's main goals in life were to get married,
preferably to a wealthy man, and have children. If this did not happen they were seen as nothing
and, according to society, they did not reach their full expectations as women. Edna's rejection of
these expectations allow her to live the life she wants and to pursue her own way in life On the
contrary, Madame Ratignolle follows these expectations and allows them to take over her life.
Chopin portrays Madame Ratignolle to be the ideal woman of this time. All of her free time is put
into caring for her

Many characters are shaped by what real life societal roles and laws are in place at that time period.
This is the case for Edna Pontellier in the Awakening by Kate Chopin. She struggles between fitting
into the societal norms for women at the time, the late nineteenth century, and what she feels is right
for herself. This aspect of American culture played a role in shaping the novel through
characterization, symbolism, and themes.
Characterization is a major part in how Chopin used American culture to shape the novel. Edna
Pontellier, the main character, is a respectable women in the late 1800s who not only acknowledges
her sexual desires, but also has the strength and courage to act on them. She broke through the role
society gave her and discovers her own identity independent of her husband and children. This is a
major concept for that time period that women could actually be someone that society didn't appoint
them to by gender and they can be anyone they want to be. Edna is a heroine that is very openly
rebellious. At the beginning of the novel, Edna exists in a sort of semi–conscious state. She is
comfortable in her marriage to Leonce and unaware of her own feelings and ambitions, which is the
typical role of women during that time period. Edna had always been a romantic, but she saw her
marriage to Leonce as the end to her life of passion and the beginning of a life of responsibility. That
was typical of a women at that time– when she got married, she

Feminism In The Awakening
Though it was not common during the 1800's, some women did not want to assume the traditional
role of a typical Victorian lady. In Kate Chopin 's The Awakening, this is just the case; she
introduces us to Edna Pontellier a mother and wife during the said era. Throughout the story, we
follow Edna 's journey of self–discovery and self–expression through emotions, art, and sex thanks
to the help of people she meets along the way. Chopin decides to end the book with Edna's suicide to
try to convey a sense of liberation from her repressed life, but was the reasoning behind her suicide
what everyone else thinks? Consequently, this said journey took me along for the ride, and I had no
complaints. As Edna figured out who she was, I felt as if I ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net
...
The Awakening's protagonist is Edna Pontellier; She is a twenty–eight years old mother of two.
Consequently, her appearance is slight that of what a mother should look like, she possesses "quick
and bright" eyes, which compliment her thick, wavy, yellowish brown hair" (9); While Edna 's
physique is "poise and movement" (27). Despite this, Edna does not want to assume the role of a
mother; Edna wants to be free from social assumptions of what a lady and even mother should be
during the 1800's. Independence is her goal, and she is not letting anything, or anyone gets in her
way. This is why she has an affair with Robert Lebrun. Leonce Pontellier is the husband of Edna. He
is materialistic, due to him being a wealthy businessman, and also forty years old. His higher
position came at a cost; he is very concerned with appearance and how others view him."The way to
become rich is to make money, my dear Edna, not to save it," he said. He regretted that she did not
feel inclined to go with him and select new fixtures. He kissed her good–by, and told her she was
not looking well and must take care of herself. She was unusually pale and very quiet" (18). He also
treats Edna as mere property "You are burnt beyond recognition," he added, looking at his wife as
one looks at a valuable piece of personal property which has suffered some damage"(1). Hence why
Edna did not enjoy

Analysis Of The Daily Life Of Edna 's, The Awakening 's...
Waverly Leonard
Part I Reading Journal, ch.s 1–13
Plot Summary:
These first thirteen chapters chronicle the daily life of Edna Pontellier, The Awakening's protagonist.
The novel opens on Mr. Pontellier; he is smoking a cigar and reading the newspaper while idly
observing the life and activity around him. The novel turns its attention to his wife, Edna Pontellier.
She is described as "rather handsome than beautiful" and has a face with a "certain frankness of
expression," an intriguing description if there ever was one. She is accompanied by Robert Lebrun,
the son of Madame Lebrun, the owner of "the house" at which the Creole aristocracy stayed on the
Grand Isle. They are rather close companions; Robert has chosen to follow her around for the
summer, as is later revealed to be his custom. It's revealed that Edna is an American woman from
"the old Kentucky bluegrass country." As the day progresses, Chopin details the tiny minutiae of
married life that have disappointed both Leonce and Edna; Leonce feels hurt by her dismissiveness–
"He thought it very discouraging that his wife, who was the sole object of his existence, evinced so
little interest in things which concerned him, and valued so little his conversation..."– while Edna
resents his overbearing conventionality– "An indescribable oppression, which seemed to generate in
some unfamiliar part of her consciousness, filled her whole being with a vague anguish." The
Pontelliers reconcile before Leonce leaves for New Orleans

Examples Of Sacrifices In The Awakening
Sneha Basu
AP Literature and Composition – A1
Sacrifices in The Awakening
Kate Chopin's book The Awakening published in 1899, provides a snapshot of Creole society
through a neutral point of view. The male dominated French–Louisiana society provides a challenge
for the main character, Edna Pontellier to adapt to. Through the character of Edna Pontellier, we the
audience, see both an emotional and physical awakening. After awakening, Edna tries to combat the
societal structures of motherhood which define her as the wife of motherhood and force her identity
as the wife of Leoncé and the mother of Raoul and Etienne instead of her own self–defined
individual. Chopin's concentration on two other principal females outlines Edna's options; either ...
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It seems that a "radiant peace settled upon her" only " [as] she at last [finds] herself alone...[as] the
children were gone" (Chopin 80). Only when she isn't expected to behave the way a mother–woman
should, does Edna feel peace and the visual imagery associated with the word radiant characterizes
her as much happier without her societal role. It is only after Edna understands the potential
fulfilment that she can gain by disregarding the social expectations in place for women that she
attempts to find it. No longer does she long for the "little glimpses of domestic harmony" instead
feeling pity for Adele Ratignolle's "colourless existence" (Chopin, 183). Here the word "colourless"
contrasts with "radiant" as something "radiant" cannot be without colour. Colour and radiance
become symbolic of a life fully lived, one including personal happiness and identity. By awakening,
Edna seems not only more aware but also more conscious of the rigidity and "colourlessness" that
she has borne for so long. She is no longer confined by the expectation that women should sacrifice
their own personal happiness and identity to fulfil those of their

Symbolism In The Awakening
In Kate Chopin's novel, The Awakening a wife and a mother of two, Edna Pontellier, discovers her
desires as a woman to live life to the fullest extent and to find her true self. Eventually, her
discovery leads to friction between friends, family, and the dominant values of society. Through
Chopin's use of Author's craft and literary elements, the readers have a clear comprehension as to
what the author is conveying. The writer narrates the novel in third person point of view. Although
the story mainly centered around Mrs.Pontellier, The Awakening is omniscient. For instance, in the
first few pages Mr.Pontellier views Edna as his property (Chopin, 4), or the When Madame
Ratignolle tells Robert to back off flirting with Edna considering she might find him being serious
(Chopin, 50), and when Mr. Pontellier concludes that Mrs. Pontellier is perhaps mentally ill
(Chopin, 169–170).These scenes show us the other characters opinions and feelings and not what
just what Edna feels, they also aid in understanding Edna as a character. Symbolism also plays an
enormous role, birds, oceans, and sound are three different interpretations of Edna. Throughout the
entire story, caged birds appear quite often resembling the trapped society of Mrs. Pontellier, it also
serves as a reminder that she's caged like a bird wanting to escape and also the entrapment of
women in that specific time. In the beginning, the parrot talking to Mr. Pontellier saying to leave in
French represents as Edna's

Edna's Awakening Analysis
The Awakening by Kate Chopin
Prompt # 5
Describe the course of Edna's awakening
Lisbeth Sosa Mr. Amoroso Pd. 3 AP Literature
Prompt # 5 Describe the course of Edna's awakening. Through one's life, we tend to abscond from
the misfortune that seems to be nonviable to defeat. But when a persistent soul comes into contact
with all the tribulation that is to come, it would benefit the tenacious soul that risked its life to see
the light in the darkness. The female figure has been admonishing due to societies expectations and
morals that seem the need to be followed and be taken to the grave, some are the exceptions like
Edna Pontellier. Edna's courageous soul broke societies norms enforcing opposing views of her
character. Her alacrity and assiduous disposition prompted her to achieve her desires; Kate Chopin
portrays this in The Awakening. Contradicting the rules of society can implement great awakening
in one's thoughts of love, personal and social achievement that seem too abstruse which are crucial
to our self–preservation.
Arousing from sleep is crucial and vital to the maturation of our persona, fathoming our inner notion
is decisive to the person we are destined to turn into. Edna's relationship with men was paramount to
the discovery of her desires and uniqueness as an individual. "She grew fond of her husband,
realizing with some unaccountable satisfaction that no trace of passion or excessive and

Immersion into the frame of mind of Edna Pontellier, in Kate Chopin's The Awakening, is a
fascinating experience, one with many conflicting internal and external influences. Like a
marionette, Edna acts as a slave to her perceived social constraints in the beginning of The
Awakening, a poignant contrast to her emotionally fueled, self–destructive choices towards the end.
In the opening chapters of Edna's story, she is described from an external viewpoint. Readers do not
especially see the interworking of her thoughts and feelings through Chopin's initial character
sketch, "Mrs. Pontellier's eyes were quick and bright; they were a yellowish brown, about the color
of her hair" (5). Such a description is effective in producing a mental image of her appearance, yet
her inner–identity remains a mystery. Although there is some foreshadowing lending readers to
assume Edna's dissatisfaction with her life, "She could not have told why she was crying. Such
experiences as the foregoing were not uncommon in her married life" (Chopin 8). The true reasons
for her distaste of being a housewife and mother are not revealed until later on. Eventually, the
reader forms an understanding of Edna's "lack of identity", manifested through the relationships she
becomes tangled in, from friendships to romance.
Throughout The Awakening, Edna Pontellier appears to exist in a semi–conscious state, failing to
come to terms with reality. George Arms illustrates this theory in his critical essay,

The Awakening by Kate Chopin
The title of Kate Chopin's novella is significant and full of enriched symbols that reflect Edna's
Awakening. Edna is waking up her understanding of herself as an individual. Not as a mother nor a
wife, but who she is as a woman and a sexual being. Throughout the novel, there are a few distinct
types of awakenings; from her awakening to herself as an artist, realizing that she can have her own
opinion over what kind of music she liked, and the most important, Edna realized her life was
unfulfilling. In my essay I will be comparing the stages Edna went through and the symbolic
elements and images that tie Edna's world and blooming awakening to make it more meaningful to
the reader. The main symbolic factors in the story are represented by birds, houses, and the ocean.
Each has its own symbolic meaning in the context of the story. I will emerge the different types of
awakenings Edna experienced and the importance of each symbolic representation and connect it all
together to make a solid conclusion about the overall meaning of the awakening.
Kate Chopin was born in 1850 and was the only child out of five that lived past twenty–five. Her
Father died when she was six, this was the reason why Kate grew up surrounded by smart,
independent, single women. She was looked over by her great– grandmother her grandmother and
mother, all widows. Her great–grandmother, Victoria Charleville was in charge of her education,
teaching her French and music. In

Comparison Of Zora Neale Hurston And Their Eyes Were...
After reading "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston and "The Awakening" by
Kate Chopin all I can think about is how both authors emphasize sympathy towards the characters of
both their books. Both stories have females as main characters that struggle with finding a reason for
existence in life. In The Awakening, Kate Chopin, the author, made it more apparent for the amount
of sympathy she has for Edna and In Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston, has a
more callous towards all the male characters except for Janie's last husband, Tea Cake.
In the novel The Awakening by Kate Chopin, the character Edna Pontellier; is a middle–aged
woman who is married and a mother who has an hungering awakening for passion and romance for
the first time in her life, although she has been married for many years now.
" In short, Mrs. Pontellier was beginning to realize her position in the universe as a human being,
and to recognize her relations as an individual to the world within and about her. This may seem like
a ponderous weight of wisdom to descend upon the soul of a young woman of twenty–eight–
perhaps more wisdom than the Holy Ghost is usually pleased to vouchsafe to any woman. But the
beginning of things, of a world especially, is necessarily vague, tangled, chaotic, and exceedingly
disturbing. How few of us ever emerge from such beginning! How many souls perish in its tumult!
The voice of the sea is seductive; never ceasing, whispering, clamoring, murmuring,

Grand Isle New Edna Quotes
Her husband will always be part of her as in Creole culture and this prevents Robert from having a
relationship with her. Edna expresses her rebellion in part through her clothing. Edna's disregard for
the traditional Tuesday reception is revealed to Léonce by the ordinary housedress she wears in
place of her reception gown. The last symbol is of her house. At first it represents freedom and
independence but as she becomes depressed as she isolates herself, her spirit loses energy.
5. Analyze the significance of the specific settings on the meaning of the book:
Grand Isle / New Orleans
The novel starts in Grand Isle where the water lets her be free. She always has friends at the Isle but
in New Orleans, she seems isolated. She would be able ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Doctor Mandelet asks if Edna has been hanging around with a circle of "pseudo intellectual
women." This stresses the point of the role of women in society as they need these groups to
promote freedom. The doctor suggests that she should be sent home to Kentucky to stay with her
own people for a while. Leone say that Edna has refused to go home, or even attend her sister's
wedding. Finally the doctor suggests that Edna's problems are just a phase, and says if he just leaves
her alone for a while, she'll get over it. The doctor suggests that Edna come talk to him. Mr.
Pontellier suggests that the doctor visit for dinner to see Edna. After Mr. Pontellier leaves, the doctor
wonders if Edna is involved with another man and questions if it is Alcee Arobin since he seems
healthy at dinner. The doctor tries to understand Edna and explains that to her. In the novel, it is
important to have someone there that understands the conflict from an outside perspective. He
emphasizes the need for communication and tries to make it work. Edna may have been alive if he
was able to talk to her and get her to open up. Robert

Reconciling Edna 's Suicide And The Criticism Surrounding
Reconciling Edna's Suicide and the Criticism Surrounding" by Mary Bird.
The first essay I read was titled "Reconciling Edna's Suicide and the Criticism Surrounding" by
Mary Bird. In this essay she reveals two point of views about Edna's death. Bird presents two thesis
statements. The first thesis is "...awakening is one of mental clarity, and her suicide is a triumphant
act. By committing suicide Edna is finally freeing herself from social constraints and possession."
The second thesis is "Edna's awaking to be a decline into insanity." Bird makes a connection to Edna
losing her mother to the reason she acts the way she does. Bird says "Edna is still a child
emotionally and continually looks for a motherly influence." Bird makes a point that throughout the
story Edna regresses back to a child all the way to the womb, or water. She is saying that this is a
form of insanity and that is why she died. Bird also makes a point that Edna knows exactly what she
is doing. Bird says "Edna now makes decisions (such as moving out of the house) based on what is
right for her, choices that will drastically affect her life, doing so with open eyes and a clear head."
This is one of the reason she also believes that Edna died for feminist reasons.
Bird made a good point that the water was like a mother the Edna, and Edna was going back to the
womb. She backs up the second thesis a little better than she does the first. I like the way she calls
the water her mother. I really can understand how

A Comparison of Kate Chopin's The Awakening and Grand...
A Comparison of Kate Chopin's The Awakening and Grand Isle
Grand Isle is the movie adaptation of Kate Chopin's 1889 novel, The Awakening. Turner Network
Television (TNT) made the movie in 1991, and it stars Kelly McGillis as Edna Pontellier and Adrian
Pasdar as Robert Lebrun. To say that this movie is based, even loosely, on The Awakening is an
insult to Kate Chopin's colorful literary work. A reviewer from People Weekly calls it a "tedious
melodrama" and sees it as Kelly McGillis's "vanity project" because she is star, producer, and
narrator ("Grand Isle" 13). Grand Isle is an example of how Hollywood's ratings scramble can tear
apart a striking piece of literature.
This movie misses the novel's subtle commentary on ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
In the movie, we are left wondering how this man came to be in Edna's world. The movie does not
show the development of the relationship at all. It does not speak of the pain that both Edna and
Robert have to endure. In the novel, Robert loves Edna deeply, but he tries to deny his love because
she is a married woman. It is what drives him to Mexico and back again. He says, "I couldn't help
loving you if you were ten times his wife; but so long as I . . . kept away I could help telling you so."
(Chopin 142) The movie does not address the pain and indecision that paralyze Robert and Edna. It
treats their relationship as a lack of self–control based on lust and the heat of the moment.
The movie leaves out a crucial part of the novel that is a peak of Edna's independence. This peak is
Edna's dinner party, at which she invites ten friends to a celebratory final dinner in Leonce's house
before she moves into the "pigeon house." The party is Edna's last grand gesture. It is "visual, social
proof, accompanied by approval and joy, that Edna is moving out,' an artist on her own." (Skaggs
96) This party symbolizes Edna's freedom from her sheltered, unhappy life in her passive role. She
is even dressed the part. Her gold satin gown and jewelry "suggested the regal woman, the one who
rules, who looks on, who stands alone." (Chopin 118) This vital scene in Edna's awakening is

The Awakening Analysis
Sacrifices can define one's character; the definition can either be the highest dignity or the lowest
degradation of the value of one's life. In The Awakening, Kate Chopin implicitly conveys the
sacrifice Edna Pontellier makes in the life which provides insight of her character and attributions to
her "awakening." She sacrificed her past of a lively and youthful life and compressed it to a
domestic and reserved lifestyle of housewife picturesque. However, she meets multiple
acquaintances who help her express her dreams and true identity. Mrs. Pontellier's sacrifice
established her awakening to be defiant and drift away from the societal role of an obedient mother,
as well as, highlighting the difference between society's expectations of ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
For example, Robert Lebrun, who gives her all the affection and attention she wants, makes her feel
and act like how she was before she was married. As a result, she starts to disregard her husband and
his commands. Such as in the event, when Mr. Pontellier commanded her to come inside the house
after a long night. However, Mrs. Pontellier disobeyed him and stayed outside. "She would, through
habit, have yielded to his desire; not with any sense of submission or obedience to his compelling
wishes, but unthinkingly, as we walk, move, sit, stand, go through the daily treadmill of the life
which has been portioned out to us" (Chopin 40). At this stage of Mrs. Pontellier greatly values the
kind of freedom she had before marriage. Her newly oppression towards her husband exhibits the
defiance of women towards men. Chopin meant to show Mrs. Pontellier as an outsider of society, in
order to spread the image of women, who can make their own decisions. After returning from
vacation, Edna is a changed woman. When her husband and children are gone, she moves out of the
house and purses her own ambitions. She starts painting and feeling happier. "There were days when
she was very happy without knowing why. She was happy to be alive and breathing when her whole
being seemed to be one with the sunlight, the color, the odors, the luxuriant warmth of some perfect
Southern day" (Chopin 69). Her sacrifice greatly contributed to her disobedient actions.

A Solitary Soul By Kate Chopin
On April 22nd, 1899, Herbert S. Stone & Company published a novel written by female Author,
Kate Chopin. According to Chopin's official website published by the Kate Chopin International
Society in which biographers and editors detail information of the authors life, works, and
commonly asked questions, Chopin was 49 years old at the time that The Awakening was published.
This novel was originally titled A Solitary Soul, but was changed just prior to publication. Though
today this novel is heavily studied and appreciated by scholars and critics alike, this positive outlook
on Chopin's deeply symbolic work of fiction did not develop until over 40 years after Chopin's death
in 1904 (Koloski). Upon being published, an overwhelming amount of people were outraged by the
implications of main character Edna Pontellier making decisions that directly negate her societal
role as a "mother–woman" In fact, Chopin was not only releasing a work of fiction to be enjoyed for
entertainment, but voicing a great deal of controversial opinions about women's role in society as a
negative thing. At each unsure step that Edna took in the novel, it revealed more to Chopin's true
feelings about the pressures put on women to fit a certain mold, and also implied that regardless of
how a woman chose to break that mold, she would be rewarded with nothing but loneliness,
homelessness, or in the case of Edna Pontellier, even death. The thought that the "normal" roles of a
woman could drive her to take

The Awakening Character Analysis
The Awakening by Kate Chopin takes place in southern Louisiana in the 1890s. Main character,
Edna Pontellier, is vacationing with her husband and two children in Grand Isle. Edna and fellow
vacationer Robert Lebrun grow closer and soon become secretly infatuated with one another.
Robert's attention leads to Edna experiencing an emotional awakening by realizing that she has
discarded her youthful dreams and her that current role in life is unfulfilling. Knowing that Edna is
married and nothing can become of his infatuation, Robert abruptly leaves Grand Isle for Mexico.
Edna is devastated, and her feelings of unhappiness continue to grow when she and her family
return to their home in New Orleans. She decides it's time to take charge of her own life and starts
abandoning her wifely and motherly duties. As her need for self–fulfillment increases, she moves
out of the family home and into a smaller house a few blocks away. Although Still deeply longing
for Robert, Edna finds herself in a heated affair with Alcee Arobin. While she has no romantic
feelings for him, she feels a strong physical attraction to him, and has now been awoken to her
sexual desires as well. When Robert suddenly returns, Edna's mind is constantly reeling over the
thought that Robert might have feelings for her as well. Driving herself mad and not being able to
take it anymore, she kisses him and they both confess their love for one another. Soon though, Edna
leaves and returns to find Robert had left a note saying he loves her but cannot be with her. It is then
that Edna finally recognizes that she owns herself, that she is not property – not just someone's wife,
mother, or even lover – she is her own person. This final awakening is what ultimately leads her to a
point of no return. Although I overall have mixed feeling about this book, I would without a doubt
recommend it to my fellow classmates. The fact that Kate Chopin wrote a book of this nature in the
1890s is outstanding. I can imagine the shock of readers in a time when infidelity and female
sexuality and independence were not open topics of discussion. While I sympathize with Edna's
longing to find herself and take ownership of her life, I can't ignore the fact that she totally

Tone Of Identity In Edna
Though there are several themes in this novel, the central theme that connects them all is identity
and finding who you are and where you belong in life and society. At the beginning of the novel, we
see Edna is portrayed as typical mother and wife; "Looking at them reminded her of her rings,
which she had given to her husband before leaving for the beach. She silently reached out to him,
and he, understanding, took the rings from his vest pocket and dropped them into her open palm.
She slipped them upon her fingers" (1). Once Edna decides to live life the way she wants that is
thrown out the window. The reason for this is due to Edna's second side. She is said to have two
sides "Even as a child, she had lived her own small life all within herself. At a very early period she
had apprehended instinctively the dual life–that outward existence which conforms, the inward life
which questions" (7). The "sides" refer to as her inner and outer self. Edna's outer self is the person
who everyone around tells/wants her to be; Her inner self is the Edna that longs to be free, she wants
to do what she feels like without people judging her. This is why the theme is identity from start to
finish Edna is struggling between who others want her to be vs. what she wants to be.
TONE, STYLE: The tone of The Awakening is one of a somber, serious, and solemn. The reason
Kate Chopin choice for the use of a serious tone is from the third person point of view to feel more
like you are going

The Awakening Essay Questions

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