Emotional Expectations For Women In Kate Chopin's The Awakening
analytical Essay
1994 words
Kate Chopin’s The Awakening is a story about a well to do young woman, Edna Pontellier, who lives with her family in Louisiana during the late 1890’s. Set in a variety of scenes, it follows Edna as she engages on a personal journey of increasing autonomy, continually seeking both greater happiness and greater personal independence in the hope of leading a more meaningful and fulfilling life. In so doing, the novel portrays societal expectations for women in the post-war South during the late 1800’s, and shows the difficulties they faced if they refused to conform. The place of women in society can be seen in the way that the women in the novel act and speak, particularly in regards to their husbands and children, but also to others in general. …show more content…
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how kate chopin's the awakening portrays societal expectations for women in the post-war south during the late 1800’s.
- Analyzes how edna's refusal to marry her sister janet causes her to quarrel with her father, who reproaches her for her lack of filial kindness and respect. she violates the unwritten but widely understood ethos of postbellum, southern womanhood
- Analyzes how the novel portrays women as being under a duty to be active in social life and all of its attendant functions.
- Analyzes how edna tells mademoiselle ratignolle that she would not sacrifice herself for her children, sparking a heated argument.
- Opines that the most significant duty of women in the novel is the requirement to be loyal, obedient wives who obey their husbands and prioritize their happiness.
- Narrates how edna pontellier's sudden disregard for her duties as a wife shocked him and angered him.
- Analyzes how edna's lack of tacit submissiveness bewilders, shocks, and angers him, causing him to upbraid her for failure to act as expected. sarah bommarito commented on the role of women at the time.
- Analyzes how edna responds to this by engaging in willful rebellion, asserting her own desires over and against the expectations that others – both individually (i.e., léonce) and collectively (society as a whole) have for her.
- Analyzes how edna's response begins after hearing mademoiselle reisz play the piano, and then intensifies as she learns to swim, which causes her to undergo an emotional awakening — hence the title.
- Analyzes edna's desire for greater personal autonomy and emotional gratification as the novel progresses.
- Analyzes how edna's relationship with robert lebrun serves as the underlying force in her experience, both at the beginning and throughout.
Hence the following excerpt from Chapter Ten: “A feeling of exultation overtook her, as if some power of significant import had been given her to control the working of her body and her soul” (53). Or again, speaking of the matter to Robert, she says that “A thousand emotions have swept through me tonight” and “I don’t comprehend half of them” (55). This awakening bears immediate fruit, for when Léonce later appears and attempts to command her to do as he wishes by coming inside she resists …show more content…
It serves as the underlying force in her experience, both at the beginning and all throughout. When she first learns to swim it is a result of Robert recommending a plunge (51) and having given her many lessons (52), and he is there with her after her moment of triumph, playing the dutiful friend (54). When he announces plans to leave she is devastated by the bewildering news (79), and for much of the remainder of the novel desperately seeks any news she can catch of him, inquiring of Robert’s mother, Mademoiselle Reisz (whom Robert writes on occasion; 119), and even her own husband (90). Near the end of the novel Edna confesses her love to him and admits to this, saying “I love you, only you, no one but you. It was you who awoke me last summer out of a lifelong stupid dream” (207). And it is this, alas, which brings both her awakening and her very life to an end. Robert returns from Mexico and is on the cusp of acquiescing to her sensuous entreaties to be her man, but experiences a change of heart and refuses to commit adultery with her, telling her that his love for her forbids it (215). It is at this moment, when the final consummation of happiness seems at hand and is then irrevocably thwarted, that her endeavor for independence and being true to herself comes to an end. Having attempted to live by her own desires and dictates, and to achieve happiness with Robert,
Related
- analytical
- Sojourner Truth’s words in her speech, “Ain’t I a Woman?” served as an anthem for women everywhere during her time. Truth struggled with not only racial injustice but also gender inequality that made her less than a person, and second to men in society. In her speech, she warned men of “the upside down” world against the power of women where “together, [women] ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again!” Today, America proudly stands thinking that Truth’s uneasiness of gender inequality was put to rest. Oppression for women, however, continues to exist American literature has successfully captured and exposed shifts in attitude towards women and their roles throughout American history.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how sojourner truth's words in her speech, "ain't i a woman?" served as an anthem for women everywhere during her time.
- Analyzes how kate chopin's novel, the awakening, challenges the traditional role of women in society. edna pontellier embodies female strength, bravery, and rebellion that women at the time of the novel lacked.
- Describes how the women's movement blossomed into voting rights, reproductive liberties, and the ability to work and get an education in the 20th century. f. scott fitzgerald noticed this shift and expressed it through his novel, the great gatsby.
- Analyzes how fitzgerald presents daisy, a married "girl" who eventually reunited with the lost love of her life, jay gatsby. although she explores her sexuality and runs off behind her husband tom's back, daisy continues to be oppressed.
- Analyzes how daisy exemplifies the loss of control in her life by expressing appreciation towards being a girl, especially "a beautiful little fool."
563 wordsRead More - Oppression Of Women In Kate Chopin's The Awakeninganalytical essayDuring “The Awakening” by Kate Chopin, women were viewed as the property of their husbands and possessed very little influence in society; responsible for keeping their house in prime condition, doting over their children, and being the perfect well-behaved housewives. In the age in which the book was written; the end of the 19th century, the upper-class women were expected to be unemployed and were not allowed to vote; if they were to go outside of societal norms they were looked at with disdain. The novel gave a very precise account of a woman’s role in society and the burdens she faced because of the overwhelming pressure of her peers.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how kate chopin's "the awakening" portrayed women as the property of their husbands and possessed little influence in society.
- Analyzes how margaret atwood's "the handmaid’s tale" was published in the 1980s, during the second wave of feminism, which was purposed with achieving gender equality.
- Analyzes how margaret atwood approached the cautious side of feminism and what the outcome could be in the future. kate chopin emphasized the control of society and the restrictions women endured.
- Explains that in both novels, the main characters' rebellion was caused by desire, that had been fueled by forbidden fruit; alcee arobin and nick.
- Analyzes how edna, in the novel, defied her predetermined role that society had given her and acted against the organization and tradition in her community.
- Analyzes chopin's theme of hapless marriage and the lack of love involved in eternal vows in "the handmaid’s tale". edna and offred were sexually involved with someone out of duty to live out their pre-destined role.
- Analyzes margaret atwood's insinuation that the debate of choice concerning abortion could be twisted into a more constricting message.
- Analyzes how margaret atwood saw how words could be twisted against people and create a completely new meaning.
- Analyzes how cultural feminists sought to elevate women's experiences and values without drawing on a notion of universal sisterhood that may exclude some women. margaret atwood hints at the fragility of the situation.
2054 wordsRead More - Individualism In Kate Chopin's The Awakeninganalytical essayIndividual will is a force that is significant, and yet can be manipulated by a more powerful source. In the Victorian Age setting within The Awakening by Kate Chopin, men have been manipulated by society. They are forced to reflect their norms on women. These norms have been caused repressive and manipulative behavior within men. Edna Pontellier, protagonist of the novel, confronts several men who confront her yearning for individualism. Each male plays a role ordained by society and as a result they develop characteristics that promote specific, yet conflicting images to the reader.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how in kate chopin's the awakening, men are manipulated by society, forcing them to reflect their norms on women. edna pontellier confronts several men who confront her yearning for individualism.
- Analyzes how robert lebrun is seen as a seductive man who plays the women he confronts. his passion for edna conveys his innocent hope for repressive love.
- Analyzes how leonce is a simpleton who follows the rules established by society. he defies and remains blind to feminist action.
- Analyzes how the colonel could have manipulated edna's existence, as she refused to be coerced into a certain lifestyle.
- Explains that society has the immense strength to overpower the individual, in a force called oppression. the interchangeable mindset will lead to submission.
1033 wordsRead More - Feminism In Kate Chopin's The Awakeninganalytical essayKate Chopin was born in St. Louis, Missouri. When she was five her father was killed in a train accident, and was sent home from the Catholic boarding school she was in to be with her mother. After two years of being in their care, she returned to school and excelled in French and English. Growing up, Kate Chopin was surrounded by intelligent, independent women, but she lacked male role models. She rarely witnessed the tradition of female submission and male domination in marriages. The themes of female freedom and sexual awareness dominate Chopin's writings, which can be explained by the atmosphere she grew up in. In 1870 she married a man named, Oscar Chopin. They had six children together in the first ten years of their marriage. Kate Chopin was a good wife and mother, but she would grow tired of the domestic life. Chopin's husband loved her very much and supported her independence, which is strange because most men weren't like that. In 1882, Oscar Chopin died, leaving Kate devastated. However, she quickly learned to enjoy the pleasures of being an independent woman. Because of this, people thought she had an affair with a married man in the year after her husband's death. In 1889, Kate Chopin began writing fiction, an activity that allowed her to express her views on women, sex, and marriage while
In this essay, the author
- Explains that kate chopin was surrounded by intelligent, independent women, but she lacked male role models. the themes of female freedom and sexual awareness dominate her writings.
- Describes edna pontellier as an obedient wife and mother vacationing with her family at grand isle. she becomes close to a young man named robert before he leaves for mexico.
- Describes the major characters in "the awakening": edna pontellier, mademoiselle reisz, adèle ratignolle, and robert lebrun.
- Analyzes how edna experiences her independence as an emotion, but when she swims for the first time, she discovers that she can do things on her own.
- Analyzes how the narrator in "the awakening" breaks through stereotypes and connects with the reader on a personal level.
672 wordsRead More - Edna's Struggle for Power in Chopin's The Awakeninganalytical essayKate Chopin's The Awakening tells the story of Edna Pontellier, a young wife and mother living in the upper crust of New Orleans in the 1890s. It depicts her journey as her standing shifts from one of entrapment to one of empowerment. As the story begins, Edna is blessed with wealth and the pleasure of an affluent lifestyle. She is a woman of leisure, excepting only in social obligations. This endowment, however, is hindered greatly by her gender.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how edna's first attempt to distance herself from the dominance of her husband is a non-confrontational step that asserts her desire for independence.
- Analyzes how mr. pontellier expects edna to resume her role as the dutiful wife of a businessman after returning to new orleans.
- Analyzes how edna's desire to destroy her wedding ring indicates her displeasure in their relationship and in her situation.
- Analyzes how the final scene depicts edna's suicide. she cannot yield the independence she has won and return to her husband.
- Analyzes how kate chopin's the awakening depicts the story of edna pontellier, a young wife and mother living in new orleans in the 1890s.
1390 wordsRead More - Individualism In The Awakening And The Yellow Wallpaperanalytical essayKate Chopin is known for being a catalyst in the feminist movement via her many literary works. The Awakening, possibly her most famous novella, was widely condemned at the time of its publishing, but is now considered a literary masterpiece. It is set in the 19th century and follows Edna Pontellier and her journey as she explores love, passion, and her own autonomy. Women were generally expected to fill a certain role in the 19th century. They were excluded from education, could not vote, and usually stayed in their homes. Woman were obligated to cook, clean, care for their children, wash clothing, sew, etc. They were practically owned by their husbands. These were the social norms of that time period. Edna was defiant against these social presets though. Throughout the story, she explores and starts to realize her own
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how kate chopin's novella, the awakening, and charlotte perkins gilman’s short story, “the yellow wallpaper,” characterize the particular role women were supposed to abide by during the 19th century.
- Analyzes how kate chopin's the awakening is a literary masterpiece. it is set in the 19th century and follows edna pontellier as she explores love, passion, and her own autonomy.
- Analyzes how edna was faithful to her husband, stayed home taking care of the kids, and followed the normal precepts engrained into society. as she meets robert, she realizes she should be able to freely do as she pleases.
421 wordsRead More - The Awakening Literary Analysisanalytical essayKate Chopin’s novel The Awakening, resembles the time period of the late nineteenth century where women are constrained to being house wives because of the norms in society in that time. So, during this time it was prevalent for women to lack independence or even freedom to that matter. In this novel the protagonist faces the reality of confinement to being that ideal woman. Edna Pontellier, a young woman, feels disconsolate because of her unhappy marriage and being a mother because it restricts her from her desires. However, throughout the novel Edna experiences awakenings and trials causing her to gain courage and try to change her life which makes her seem rebellious to the creole society. Chopin uses many symbols throughout the book to
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how kate chopin's novel, the awakening, resembles the time period of the late nineteenth century where women were constrained to being house wives due to the norms in society.
- Analyzes how chopin uses the sea throughout the novel to connect to edna's sexual desires. although her marriage is unstable, her life has an absence of love and comfort.
- Analyzes how edna's desire for freedom is important to her awakening and has a huge connection to the sea.
- Analyzes how edna's desires lead her to her feelings of solitude. she loses hope in her desires and decides to commit suicide.
- Analyzes how the three main points of freedom and sexual desires connect to the sea and edna's life in her last moments.
1265 wordsRead More - Women's Issues In The Awakening By Kate Chopinanalytical essayIn the 19th century women were treated much worse than they are now and the fight for complete gender equality is still not over. At this period of time woman were completely controlled by their male “superiors” whether it be their father, husband, or brother they would tell them what to do and expect it be done. Once females were handed over to their husbands her sole purpose would be to have as many children as possible and tend to the house. Despite all of these social standards expected to be followed, women much like Kate Chopin, that were born in the Women’s Movement, did not. Kate exhibited many immoral behaviors for women at the time, such as smoking, walking by herself in New Orleans, and taking over her husband’s company. All of these
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how kate chopin, born in the women's movement, exhibited many immoral behaviors for women, such as smoking, walking by herself in new orleans, and taking over her husband’s company.
- Analyzes how kate chopin's strong female influences provided her with her love for storytelling along with curiosity, and her feelings on women’s stereotypical roles inspired her to write.
- Analyzes how chopin became a well-known rebel in creole society after meeting several influential women. they encouraged her to continue to think freely and of her own will throughout her marriage to oscar.
- Analyzes how chopin used her expected roles as a mother and wife to create her short stories, including her novel the awakening, which dealt with themes of sexism and freedom.
- Analyzes how kate chopin's novel "the awakening" was published in 1899 and took place in the 19th century in new orleans.
- Analyzes how kate chopin's the awakening was criticized for being immoral until the 1950s when it was recognized as being ahead of its time.
- Concludes that kate chopin is remembered as a rebel with advanced views that translated into her novels.
1843 wordsRead More - Kate Chopin’s The Awakening addresses the role of women within society during the late nineteenth century. The novel is set in South Louisiana, a place where tradition and culture also play a vital role in societal expectations. The novel’s protagonist, Edna Pontellier, initially fulfills her position in society as a wife and as a mother while suppressing her urges to live a life of passion and freedom. Edna’s relationship with her husband, Léonce Pontellier, represents her expected role in a marriage that lacks passion and excitement. Edna’s relationship with her lover, Robert Lebrun, represents her indulgence in her passion and freedom. Chopin juxtaposes the traditional role of women in a male dominant society against the suppressed urges of freedom and independence. The setting coincides with the Women’s Suffrage and Women’s Rights movements that emerge during the late nineteenth century.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how kate chopin's the awakening addresses the role of women within society during the late nineteenth century.
- Analyzes the story of edna pontellier in kate chopin's the awakening.
- Analyzes how kate chopin incorporated many aspects of new orleans life in her writings. the awakening challenges the role of a woman in nineteenth century society.
- Explains that chopin's the awakening and selected short fiction is a foucauldian feminist approach.
1337 wordsRead More - Feminism and Emotional Liberation in Kate Chopin's The Awakeninganalytical essayFeminism and Emotional Liberation in The Awakening In our time, the idea of feminism is often portrayed as a modern one, dating back no further than the famous bra-burnings of the 1960s. Perhaps this is due to some unconscious tendency to assume that one's own time is the most enlightened in history. But this tendency is unfortunate, because it does not allow readers to see the precursors of modern ideas in older works. A prime example of this is Kate Chopin's novel The Awakening, which explores the marital infidelities of a woman stuck in a loveless marriage as she searches for her purpose in life.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how kate chopin's novel the awakening portrays the institution of marriage and its positive stance towards feminine liberation.
- Opines that feminism cannot be discussed without a definition of the term, since it has been thrown about for decades and used by various groups to define themselves.
- Analyzes how chopin's novel portrays a woman struggling to escape from the bonds of male-dominated, patriarchal society.
- Analyzes how chopin implicitly condones divorce or marital infidelity by suggesting that marriage is a flawed institution. léonce does not appear to be aware of this flaw in the marriage.
- Analyzes how the characters of madame ratignolle and mademoiselle reisz represent the forces of marriage and liberation.
- Analyzes how mademoiselle reisz symbolizes the outsider, while the traditional woman is submissive, but she is also an artist, and is able to express her emotions as others are not.
- Analyzes how the music mademoiselle reisz plays is by frédéric chopin, the renowned polish composer and no known relation to .
- Analyzes how edna's transition from the "mother-woman" she never really was to the emotional artist that she is to become is symbolically the awakening alluded to in the novel.
- Narrates how edna sat in the library after dinner and read emerson until she grew sleepy. she decided to start a new course of improving studies.
- Opines that chopin could have picked any author, or simply written "edna read until she grew sleepy". emerson's writing exemplifies a particular worldview in line with that of .
- Opines that the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.
- Analyzes how chopin uses freedom as edna's choice of literature. she reads works that could plausibly be viewed as subversive by the patriarchal, male-dominated society around her.
- Analyzes how chopin illustrates the importance of self-knowledge and the need to flaunt social conventions to achieve it. robert only represents one facet of the two-pronged awakening that edna requires.
- Analyzes how alcée arobin's presence, manners, warmth, and touch of his lips on her hand had acted like a narcotic upon her.
- Analyzes how léonce, for edna, embodies a loveless marriage tied to social convention, giving her neither emotional nor physical happiness. she escapes to robert, who provides emotional companionship but with negligible sexual component.
- Analyzes how edna is not strong enough to be liberated from social convention, to have the artist's soul, mademoiselle reisz, ralph waldo emerson, and frédéric chopin.
- Opines that it is better to wake up after all, even to suffer, rather than remain a dupe to illusions all one's life.
- Argues that the ocean, where she ends her life, has already been established as a symbol of her liberation, since robert taught her how to swim.
- Analyzes how chopin chose to tell the story of infidelity from a woman's point of view, in contrast to the male protagonists of almost all literature up to this time.
- Concludes that the awakening is feminist and promotes an emotional independence that many would still not dare to strive for today.
- Cites chopin, kate, deyo, c. l., and emerson, ralph waldo.
2636 wordsRead More