I am not Edna. (1)For as long as humans have existed, people have been attracted to the concept of freedom because it is something that only the strongest can conquer.Life provides many opportunities for people to grab the freedom and independence.(2)In the novella, The Awakening, by Kate Chopin, the protagonist Edna Pontellier is trying to rebel against the societal standards and expectations of the 19th century. (3)Women in the 19th century were expected to devote themselves to their children and husbands.(4) Women had to give up their freedom, so that society would teach them their basic responsibilities like attending gatherings that, in the long run, are made so that their husbands could show off wealth. (5)This 19th century atmosphere contradicted …show more content…
(8) Three symbols - houses, birds, and the sea- assist the readers in understanding how Edna transformed from a docile female to a strong individual. Using the symbolism of houses, Chopin outlines the path Edna Pontellier took as well as how it affected her in a long run. Edna had experienced changes in four different houses. During Edna’s stay in these four houses, she explored different relationships between people and their beliefs. The novella starts off with Edna staying in one of the cottages at the Grand Isle. At Grand Isle women were expected to gather and enjoy each other’s conversations, while they were sewing for the children. In the process of sewing, females would chat with each other, discussing birth and motherhood. Edna did not engage in these kind of conversations because she felt uncomfortable. “ Mrs. Pontellier was not a