The Awakening 1. The Parrot as a Symbol Symbols, as explained by Foster, have at least more than one meaning. If the symbol can be reduced to only one meaning then it is no longer a symbol, it is an allegory. Actions as well as objects and images can be symbolic and significant in literature. On the first page of The Awakening, a green and yellow parrot is introduced. The parrot continuously repeats French and English phrases, causing a great deal of noise. The parrot symbolizes Edna’s unexpressed feelings. She feels as if she is being held prisoner like her parrot in the cage. Kate Chopin’s purpose for including this is her novel is to give symbolic background details on Edna before the story truly begins. 2. The Eye Glasses When a character can’t see, there is a reason for it. When a character in a novel is unable to see things as well as others can, it holds a symbolic meaning. Mr. Pontellier can’t see things that are obvious to other characters in the novel. When Mr. Pontellier holds Edna’s jewelry while she goes swimming, it reveals his possession over her and later when he uses his eye glasses we can infer that he has a problem with his vision. The author gives Mr. …show more content…
The weather or anything having to do with weather can change the atmosphere and mood of the story dramatically. For instance, in the story of Noah’s Ark, water brought the world back to life and played a restorative role. In Chapter 10 of “The Awakening” Edna finally steps into the water and is overcome with a feeling of empowerment. Her happiness while she in the water at Grand Isle gives her drive and peace. Chopin incorporated water into this scene because water is a form of purification and restoration. Living in a world that has not given much back to Edna, the author wanted to emphasize Edna’s overwhelming happiness in being