The Awakening of Women

A detailed Summary of The Awakening of Women


The Awakening is a commentary on the restraints faced by women at the turn of the century. The novel is really all about independence and understanding. The peace that is offered in the promise of personal freedom concerning love and all else, shown in this novel, is enticing. Chopin writes about a woman who continues to reject the society around her, a notion too radical for Chopin's peers. Edna Pontellier has the traditional role of both wife and mother, but deep down she wants something more, which was difficult to acknowledge in the restricted Victorian society. This novel shows Edna going through a metamorphosis during which she shirks what society believes women should do and focuses on herself instead.

Chopin makes several political statements in The Awakening


. Chopin acknowledges sexuality in women and women's rights in a time period where these were unspoken and unacceptable. Chopin acknowledges the boundaries and consequences of marriage because Edna sees what her limits are and makes efforts to stretch and break free of those limits. When she commits suicide she becomes victorious because she doesn't have to give up her identity and conform to the social norms which suppress her sexuality, individuality and rights.

The Awakening depicts a woman going through the ultimate awakening. Edna leaves behind the Victorian notions that have confined her throughout life and starts to concentrate on her desires. Chopin uses this transformation to advocate individual rights while speaking against the strict notions of Victorian so

Some common words found in the essay are:
Edna Pontellier, Arobin Edna's, Awakening Chopin, , Leonce Pontellier, Robert Lebrun, Adele Ratignolle, Mademoiselle Reisz, victorian society, late nineteenth century, edna metamorphosis, edna pontellier, chopin acknowledges, late nineteenth, nineteenth century,

Approximate Word count = 521
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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