The Awakening1

A detailed Summary of The Awakening1

Kate Chopin's novel "The Awakening" is full of symbolism. In each chapter there is a central symbol that adds to the meaning of the story. Small symbols throughout the novel such as sunshades, children playing and pianos represent properties of domesticity and society rules which Edna tries to separate herself from. Chopin does however, give larger representative symbols to add meaning to the novel.

The first line of the novel is perhaps the most obvious example of symbolism. A parrot screeches "Allez vous-en! Allez vous-en! Saprtisti! That's all right!" which translates to "Go Away! Go Away! For Heaven's sake!" This crazy bird in a cage represents Edna's longing to go away and escape from the pressures of society.

In chapter 27, Mme Reisz says to Edna "The bird would soar above the level of the plain tradition and prejudice must have strong wings. It is a sad spectacle to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth."(533) Edna did not understand this message but the reader knows it means. It means that if Edna is determined to break free of societal rules than she must have the strength to "fly". In fact this is a foreshadowing of her failure. In the last chapter Edna notices "a bird with a broken wing w

The houses are symbols of the places for society. Grand Isle, where the novel begins, is a societal place to Edna. This is where the "mother-woman" goes. It is like a cage to Edna, full of rules. The house in New Orleans is the same, full of motherhood and necessity to be the perfect societal hostess. Her home in Kentucky is mentioned a few times but it is just like the home in New Orleans, full of society and bad memories.

Another major symbolic aspect is water. After struggling, she learns to swim in the ocean. This empowers her and provides her with strength and joy. The bodies of water cited in this novel represent freedom and escape. When she is committing suicide she refers to the Kentucky field for a second time. This represents escape from society, as the first time was escape from society as a child. Finally, in the end it is the field and the ocean that free her completely.

In the beginning, Edna is projected to be a domesticated, societal woman. She is well dressed with a sunshade, speaking to a young man. She begins this novel appropriately and fully dressed. Slowly, as the story continues, Edna sheds her clothes. This shedding represents the casting off of societal rules

Some common words found in the essay are:
Mme Antoine's, Reisz Edna, Kate Chopin's, Kate Chopin, Grand Isle, Away Heaven's, Mlle Reisz, Mme Leburn, throughout novel, Saprtisti That's, pigeon house, symbolism awakening, adds meaning, societal rules, allez vous-en, escape society,

Approximate Word count = 807
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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