Gender Roles In The Awakening

Jaymee Araujo Professor Long 05/16/24 English 1B

The Awakening In Kate Chopin's novel, “The Awakening,” the exploration of gender strategies takes center stage as the protagonist, in my view. Edna Pontellier, defies societal normalities and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Through Edna's experiences, Kate sheds light on the restrictive gender roles imposed on women during the late 19th century and the ways in which women navigate and challenge these expectations. By examining the various characters and their interactions, we can uncover the complex dynamics of gender and power that shape the narrative of “The Awakening.” At the beginning of this story, it seems to be more about Mr. and Mrs. Pontellier. They seem to have what everyone

Once again, after the kiss, Edna and Robert's relationship became more intense. They developed strong feelings for each other and had a passionate affair. It wasn't traditional because Edna was already married to Leonce, and having an affair goes against societal expectations and norms. Their relationship challenged the traditional notions of marriage and fidelity. A little background information on traditional relationships is that they were important in the 1900s because society placed a strong emphasis on following established normalities and roles. These traditional relationships are seen as the foundation of stability and order in a rapidly changing world. They provided a sense of security and defined gender roles, with men as the breadwinners and women as homemakers. Society expected individuals to conform to these traditional relationship dynamics, and deviating from them was often met with judgment and disapproval. Due to everything happening and the real definition of a traditional man and woman, Robert wasn't really portrayed as a traditional man in "The Awakening." He was more of a free-spirited and unconventional character. He didn't conform to societal expectations and didn't

She felt as if she was failing as a wife and mother, which to be fair, she was. She should've been there for her children and her husband who took care of her. After Edna went through all of these thoughts and emotions she decided to make a life changing decision which affected many people that loved her as a person and also loved her. She felt as if she failed to meet the requirements of a traditional woman and she took a swim in the ocean and drowned herself to death. That was the end of Enda Pontellier’s story. In conclusion, "The Awakening" offers a compelling exploration of gender strategies and critiques. Through Edna's journey, the novel challenges traditional gender roles and expectations, highlighting the limitations placed on women in society. It questions the idea that women should solely prioritize their roles as wives and mothers, and she chose to instead advocate for her individuality and self-fulfillment. Edna's pursuit of personal freedom and her refusal to conform to societal standards serve as a critique of the oppressive gender constructs of the time. The story invites us to reflect on the relationships in the 1900’s - 2000’s and how things have changed and the