The Awakening Feminism Analysis

In the novel, The Awakening written by Kate Chopin serves the epitome of feminist equality. Kate Chopin delivers a taboo message of woman’s independence and the role of woman undermined during the 19th century. The novel was banned until the 20 century, it was released to be read by modern society. Kate Chopin ends Edna Pontellier life at the end of the novel, inadvertently bewildering the readers to perceive her death’s whether as failure to complete her convention or victory to break away from restrains of a society dominated by man. Edna’s gradual awakening is mainly influence by Adele Ratingnolle, Robert Lebrun and Mariequita. Edna Pontellier ends her life as the final awakening representing her victory to achieve strength and independence,

Kate Chopin creates a contrast between the two characters, one who is a feminist, and other who is a anti-feminist. "In short Mrs. Pontellier was not a mother woman" (pg 51) while on the other hand “Adele Ratignolle is the epitome of a matronly figure" (pg 58). Adele motherly behavior show who the person Edna should strived to become. Because of the openly manner culture of the Creole community, Adele share her true experiences as a role of a mother. “They were women who idolized their children, worshipped their husbands, and esteemed it a holy privilege to efface themselves as individuals and grow wings as ministering angels.” (pg 40) Edna finds the role of a mother being lackluster and only impeding her from awakening her inner consciousness. She realizes it would only bring her imprisonment and the lack of independence. She denies the role of a mother to carry out duties and responsibilities for her family rather pursue her dreams she longed for. While at Grand Isle while sitting on the front porch, Adele is sewing winter clothes for her children, although winter is far ahead. It shows her loving care toward her children. Adele even mentions to sew winter clothes for Edna’s children. Edna “could not see the use of