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Societal Standards In Kate Chopin's The Awakening

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Bursting from emotions, but not allowed to show it, Mrs. Edna Pontellier learns to dislike the societal standards. The Awakening by Kate Chopin portrays the struggle of finding a trustworthy confidant for the women in 1899. Many women in Edna’s society live life by strict regulations. Not finding a friend to confine in wholly, Edna turns to the sea which calms racked nerves, listens, and protects the beautiful Mrs. Edna Pontellier.

Slowing the raging pulse in behind Edna’s ears, the “never ceasing, whispering” (13) voice of the sea soothed and relaxed Edna after quarreling with one of her colleagues. After any of the squabbles within her circle, to Edna “it didn’t seem worthwhile to be…alive or dead” (58). She left the group “to wander alone” (58) on the beach and hear the calming murmur of the sea to sooth her nerves. After arguing with her husband, She lies in the hammock and listens to the sea that never “cease[s] to moan” (32) and never forsook her in her time of need. Edna went to the sea; whether she is “wiping her eyes on the sleeve of her peignoir” (6) or she is soaring miles off the ground from the joy that was inside her. …show more content…

She loved just sitting on the beach with her face “turned toward the sea” (18) not saying anything out loud for she knew the sea did not have to hear her voice to understand. No place was calmer or more pleasing to Edna then the beach. This quiet friend freed Edna from the social pressures and gave her “some power of significant import” (27). She loved the freedom and support the sea provided her. Mrs. Edna Pontellier ventured out beyond “where any woman ever swum before” (27). Realizing she “possess the courageous soul that dares and defies” (116) she gives herself up to the one who loved and understood her, she bequeaths herself to the sea for all

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