The Awakening by Kate Chopin is an 1899 short story set at a time when society discriminated women. The story introduces a nineteenth-century way of living in New Orleans. The experiences the author Chopin underwent during this period and time encouraged her to come up with this piece of work the awakening. The author narrates the life of a woman by the name of Edna Pontellier who underwent the oppression in life but later decided to change the traditions and disobey the beliefs that oppressed women. Edna disconnects herself from the social life and adopts her own life and view of the woman she wanted and admired to be. Although, Edna realized the potential and the opportunities the life offered; change is evident in her character, behavior,
…show more content…
Symbolically she is introduced as “A green and yellow parrot, which hung in a cage outside the door, kept repeating over and over:” (Chopin 1). At a certain point, Edna occupied by a desire to act like a parrot, full of solitudes she decides to stay away from her husband and friends in a move to allocate herself enough time to reflect about her own life. “She wanted something to happen—something, anything” (Chopin 607). Edna pressed for things to move along, she wanted to experience change and was ready for anything new to happen in her life. She was quite passionate about her life and adopted a rebellious life all through. Edna is never comfortable with her life and decides to chase passion and courage. Her sudden changes, inner thoughts, and actions were not common during her days and the society she lived in. She acted differently and against the social …show more content…
They are accompanied by their two sons during the vacation. Leonce is a kind man, though he is often occupied by work, he treats his family well. Due to his frequent, work-related excuses, Edna is not happy about it. The two find themselves quarreling and their life together takes a dark path. This is the point when Edna decides to reflect about her life, life in marriage. Jabour describes how Laura Wirt was unhappy in her marriage and she died without enjoying the married life. Laura prediction was “It will never do for me to be married” (Jabour). Like Laura Wirt, Edna no longer wishes to lead this type of life. In a similar situation Edna is no longer ready to be influenced by a man, her decisions and approach to life reflects a woman who does not value the marriage life anymore. Edna’s awakening gives her courage to bring changes where she feels is necessary. The author is able to create targeted connections in order to effectively bring out Edna’s desires and plans. Edna’s relationship with her close friend Adele Ratingnolle teaches her to be self-dependent and freedom of expression. “Edna had once told Madame Ratignolle that she would never sacrifice herself for her children, or for anyone…” (Chopin 585). This was an exposure different from the normal expectations from the society that surrounded Edna. Woman were expected to be submissive and never used to question their male counterparts or their place in
Symbolically she is introduced as “A green and yellow parrot, which hung in a cage outside the door, kept repeating over and over:” (Chopin 1). At a certain point, Edna occupied by a desire to act like a parrot, full of solitudes she decides to stay away from her husband and friends in a move to allocate herself enough time to reflect about her own life. “She wanted something to happen—something, anything” (Chopin 607). Edna pressed for things to move along, she wanted to experience change and was ready for anything new to happen in her life. She was quite passionate about her life and adopted a rebellious life all through. Edna is never comfortable with her life and decides to chase passion and courage. Her sudden changes, inner thoughts, and actions were not common during her days and the society she lived in. She acted differently and against the social …show more content…
They are accompanied by their two sons during the vacation. Leonce is a kind man, though he is often occupied by work, he treats his family well. Due to his frequent, work-related excuses, Edna is not happy about it. The two find themselves quarreling and their life together takes a dark path. This is the point when Edna decides to reflect about her life, life in marriage. Jabour describes how Laura Wirt was unhappy in her marriage and she died without enjoying the married life. Laura prediction was “It will never do for me to be married” (Jabour). Like Laura Wirt, Edna no longer wishes to lead this type of life. In a similar situation Edna is no longer ready to be influenced by a man, her decisions and approach to life reflects a woman who does not value the marriage life anymore. Edna’s awakening gives her courage to bring changes where she feels is necessary. The author is able to create targeted connections in order to effectively bring out Edna’s desires and plans. Edna’s relationship with her close friend Adele Ratingnolle teaches her to be self-dependent and freedom of expression. “Edna had once told Madame Ratignolle that she would never sacrifice herself for her children, or for anyone…” (Chopin 585). This was an exposure different from the normal expectations from the society that surrounded Edna. Woman were expected to be submissive and never used to question their male counterparts or their place in