Cause Of Rebellion In Society

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “rebellion” is defined as, “To resist, oppose, or be disobedient to, a higher authority.” Throughout history, rebellions have occurred when a person or group of people have felt marginalized in society. Whether it be Nat Turner’s rebellion, the Feminist Movement, or the Civil Rights Movement, rebellion has been a catalyst for change (whether violent or nonviolent). However, to get a full picture of rebellion and its place in society, we must focus on why it happened in the first place. As Frederick Douglass once said, “The thing worse than rebellion is the thing that causes rebellion.” Meaning, that though rebellion can cause discourse, the more problematic part of the equation is the people/system/government

Similarly to Edna’s character in The Awakening, Nora (the female lead), undergoes a rebellion against the patriarchy as well. Like Edna, Nora was conditioned to live a life characterized by focusing on others, rather than herself. She was to obey her husband and mother her children. Throughout the play, Nora’s demise due to her self-neglect becomes apparent. However, rather than cheating on her husband, Nora decides to be upfront with Torvald and leave him. She

Without the physical act of retaliation, there would be nothing to discuss. When discussing feminism, the theme that both The Awakening and A Doll’s House bring up, it can be argued that the women’s acts of rebellion were more harmful to their families than helpful. One factor unmentioned in the discussion of Edna and Nora’s rebellions are the families that both women left behind. Both Nora and Edna ultimately abandoned their children in an attempt to find a greater sense of self. Thus, Nora and Edna betray their obligation and duties as mothers. This coincides with a common critique of feminist theory: the justification of irrational acts through victimization mentality. As expressed by conservative author, Belinda Brown, “Victimhood gives us great moral superiority and entitles us to unquestioning sympathy while exempting us from examining any single one of our actions. A victim is utterly devoid of responsibility or blame.” Edna and Nora are able to justify their acts by claiming to be victims of the patriarchy. By doing so, they void themselves of taking responsibility for their actions, thus allowing them to leave their children without any feelings of guilt or remorse. Their leaving, however, will impact their children more than they know. Their overlooking of the way growing up without a maternal figure impacts a child, shows their ignorance and selfishness. In trying to rebel