Theme Of Patriarchy In The Awakening

Within the realm of male patriarchy is what men desire women to be. Whether it may be viewed solely as a sexual nature or a potential matriarchal creature that can raise men's children. The 19th century was cruel to women, the steel cut binary of existence killed a person’s soul, ideas, wishes just to fulfill an arbitrary societal role. The Awakening by Kate Chopin follows Edna Pontellier: painter, host, an individual trapped in a societal slumber to raise her kids and please her husband. Pontellier is shaken awake to find lifes true potential by Madame Ratignolle, a friend that Edna confides in glimmers her inner excellence. Edna's character development may be due in female friendships; one that eliminates the competitive aspect of attempting to finding a man (in a dream patriarchal society) but it is rather due to Edna Pontellier being a queer coded

Edna is only referred to as Mrs. Pontellier, forced to act in accordance to her husband. Referenced as solely as his wife within the early pages, She is trained to be the perfect wife; “Robert [Mr.Pontellier] talked a good deal about himself…and did not know better. Mrs. Pontellier talked a little about herself for the same reason.” (4) The character of Edna is to satisfy others, give enough to show life for society then be nothing, as was typical of women of the time, “...did not have the power to make contracts, own property or vote. A woman was seen merely as a servant to her husband.” (USHistory.org)(1). Although she illustrates the actions of what a typical woman should act, she shows a subconscious disdain for the society she lives in. The allowance she is given by Robert would excite her to get material goods; she feels infantilized. Edna realizes that she doesn’t align with what is societally craved, nor how excitedly her companions seem to act. Disillusioned but cannot branch out because she is no person but an extension of Mr.