Kate Chopin "The Awakening"

What an interesting read for its time! I can understand why this would have contributed to the end of Chopin’s career. The novel definitely portrays a very provocative and sensual woman. However, I believe the novel follows the emergence of these traits in Edna. In the beginning, she is portrayed as a normal wife of society during the times. But as the story continues, she begins to discover a different woman in herself and allows full disclosure of her new being. Feministic views are very clear, and there is little room for doubt as to the author’s purpose in writing this novel.

It is disheartening to me the difference in how this book would be viewed today: It would be considered very commonplace. Fidelity in relationships is not a very popular attribute in today’s society. Many women also take the pursuer role in relationships and seek what they want; regardless of the consequences or the effects it may have on others.

Women’s roles in the novel are depicted in this novel to fit the times: submissive wife and mother, conforming to society, dependent. However, an independent musician, the boarding house owner, and servant roles are included in the character list as well. I believe Chopin portrays marriage in a partnership style arrangement. There doesn’t seem to be much affection within the marriages, and the husbands seem to turn a blind eye to the activities of their wives as long as they are discreet and don’t cause any harm to their public appearances.

I found it interesting that Edna found her independence in the sea as she learned to swim with confidence but yet gave up her life in the same body of water after rejection in an inappropriate relationship. In my opinion, Edna was portrayed as a selfish, immature young woman, even though she felt as if she was fighting for her independence and femininity.