"The Awakening" by Kate Chopin - Analysis and symbolism

The Awakening by Kate Chopin, provocatively illustrates the sexual and emotional change of the female protagonist, Edna Pontellier. Although it was publically scorned when it was first published in 1899 for its racy content, it is now considered one of the strongest feminist myths of American Literature. The novel successfully highlights the issues of feminism through Chopins criticism of the patriarchal hunting lodge that drowns Edna, despite her struggle to stay afloat.

Ednas distinct difference from ordinary Creole women are metaphorically shown through the birds introduced at the stem of the novel. The caged parrot that belongs to Madame Lebrun speaks several languages including a language which nobody understood, unless it was the mocking-bird that hung on the other side of the door (p1). The parrot easily identifies with Edna, who overly speaks differently, as she is an American woman married into a Creole society. She seeks a mockingbird-type companion who can understand her unknown language. It is observable when we meet Mademoiselle Reisz, that shes the mockingbird that will inspire Ednas motivating for independence. Mademoiselle Reisz serves as a model of what Edna wishes to become. She is unmarried, childless, and devoted her disembodied spirit to her passion of music. The two birds share an experience of confinement, and being under someone elses possession.

Ednas first go is one of the most consequential steps in the process of her awakening. She had attempted to learn to swim all summer, but was afraid of abandoning herself into such a commodious ocean. Chopin compares her to a little tottering, stumbling, clutching child, who of a sudden realizes its powers, and walks for the first judgment of conviction alone (p37). Although she is courageous and defies expectations by venturing out into the ocean alone, she compose retains a childlike fear of self reliance, and is afraid...

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