Entrapment In Kate Chopin's The Awakening

The awakening is a turn-of-the-century novel that was published in 1899 by Kate Chopin. The solitary soul was the working title that Chopin used when she was writing the book back in 1897. The novel is referred to as a feminist landmark since it came out in an era where feminism had not found its voice. It was written in the industrial revolution period when women’s movement were about to start. Back in the days the book was considered vulgar and was rejected by many people. The book’s worth was only recognized years later when Chopin lost her life.

The novel is a heart-rending realistic story that focuses on a woman’s entrapment in a world that is dominated by men. Being in a patriarchal society, a young America woman is forced to live up

She spent most of her childhood life in Mississippi. One time when she visited Grand Isle, she felt dissatisfied with her lifestyle and set off to pursue her happiness and independence when she fell in love with a young man. Edna then rebelled against her culture and traditions after she got exposed to the Creole culture which she perceived as a freer culture. Edna’s children, Etienne, and Raoul are the other characters apart from Madame Lebrun, who owns a lodging on the Isle, Robert Lebrun, her son who falls in love with Edna. Madame Lebrun also had another son named Victor Lebrun. The other characters include Adele Ratignolle, Alphonse Ratignolle (Adele’s husband,) the Farival twins, their grandfather, the dancing girl and Madame Antoine. Madame Antoine is friends with Robert Lebrun. Alcee Arobin admires Edna and is a womanizer. The Pontelliers’ had a servant called Ellen. The novel has many other characters who played important roles in the development of the story (Toth, 445).

The narration of the story is in a third-person omniscient point of view, but the author often shows her pity for and sustenance of Edna. The narrator’s tone in most parts of the story is objective and overall grave. Even so, there are moments of happiness and laughter. The tone shows support for women’s unconventionality and demonstrative awareness that Edna

She also conflicts with her heart that wants to love and her mind that wants liberation for all. The climax took place when Edna was talking to Robert explaining to him that she was not an object to be passed around, this arose after Robert mentioned something about Mr. Pontellier setting her free. After telling Robert that she is a free person who can give herself to whoever she chooses, Robert leaves Edna because he cannot stand the idea of loving a woman who considers herself having the same privileges as him, a man. He refuses to love a lady who does not want to subordinate herself to men (Azad,