symbolism in the awakening

A detailed Summary of symbolism in the awakening

The Awakening contains many symbolic features, such as the way Edna uses art, the birds

(the parrot and the mockingbird), sleep, music, and the houses Edna Pontellier lives in, but

perhaps two of the most significant symbols are the clothes in the novel, not only of Edna,

but also the other characters, and the water, whether it be the ocean, the gulf, or the sea.

These two symbols are possibly the most significant because of their direct relationship to

Edna Pontellier. Both the water and her clothes have the power to not only emphasize, but

help show exactly how and what Edna is feeling.

Clothes appear to have significant meaning in The Awakening, enough so that they

are mentioned at almost every description of the characters. Edna Pontellier starts the novel

fully dressed and appropriately dressed for a woman of her responsibilities, however, at her

never changes her clothes. This could possibly symbolize her physical detachment from

bodies. This could, perhaps, represent the constant need to cover their sexuality as women in

The Ocean is a clear symbol of freedom for Edna. The water is where Edna feels

(fully clothed) and 'covered by society and its' strict roles, and then ends naked as if she is

sheds its skin when it is time for a new one and it does not fit into the old one any longer.

Edna doesn't feel like she can fit into society any longer. Madmoiselle Reisz, on the other

Approximate Word count = 606
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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