The Awakening by Kate Chopin
Setting:
Switches between the island of Grand Isle, off of the coast of Louisiana, and New Orleans (late 19th century)
Genre:
Literary fiction, realism, romance, novella
Historical Information:
Kate Chopin spoke French and English, both of which appear in the novel
Chopin developed a passion for music at a young age
The Awakening was a very controversial novel due to its subject matter
Readers called it “morbid, vulgar, and disagreeable”
Chopin had strong opinions on gender roles and was skeptical of religion
Themes:
Identity- Throughout the majority of this text, Edna is on a search to find her true identity. To do this, she fights societal standards and rejects her labels as a “wife” and “mother.” Instead, she
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He is never there for his family, but when he is he brings treats like bonbons to try and buy their love and cover the fact that he is a terrible husband and father.
The sea- In this novella, the sea has multiple symbolic meanings. It represents both freedom and an escape, as well as rebirth for Edna. Edna describes the sea as if it is a romantic partner, and looks to it as a way to get away from the life she is actually living. As a large body of water, the sea may represent rebirth for Edna, especially when she learns to swim.
Character Development:
Edna Pontellier
Edna is a very dynamic character, who goes through a great deal of development throughout the story.
In the beginning she is trapped in a life full of social expectations where she must dedicate all of her time to being the perfect wife