Free Awakening Essays: An Analysis of The Awakening
analytical Essay
1181 words
An Analysis of The Awakening The first thing I would like to do is go through and pick out the chapters I found to be significant in the novel. Chapter 1: *there is symbolism of a well trained “caged” bird, (like we read in the hypertext) which represents what wives were to be in Edna’s lifetime *well trained *speaks of pleasantries *begins with Summer a time of beauty, fullness and fruition *Grand Isle *vacation from New Orleans life (imprisonment) *ends at Summer after 1 yr *this vacation follows Edna back to New Orleans where she gradually begins to see how trapped she really is *it is after this vacation that Edna begins to “awake” Chapter 2: *Edna was from Kentucky and married a Creole *this is a conflict in religion *she is Presbetyrian and he’s Catholic *this presents a problem for Edna for she has to live a Catholic life style Chapter 3: *we first see here the marital problems that M&M Pontellier have *the ideals of what Mr. Pontellier expects of Edna *looking after the children was very important *marital state: bored, unlively, becomes more depressing on her *impt: Edna’s breakdown, her crying Chapter 4: *Adele, the perfect woman *embodies all the qualities of what a woman-mother should be *she’s been married 7 yrs and has a child about every 2 yrs, again fullfilling her womanly and motherly duties. *her identity seems to be consumed by having children and her current “state” Chapter 7: *this chapter we see Edna begin to slip away, she doesn’t pay as much attention to things *daydreaming/ Adele asks her a question and Edna is not with her Chapter 10: *Edna learns to SWIM!!!!!!! very impt. *she gains control of her body *the sea becomes her friend, close, intimate, sensuous Chapter 11: *this section we see a bit of Edna’s rebellious nature *her husband commands her and Edna says “NO!” Chapter 17: *we see yet another confrontation between M&M Pontellier, more marital problems *I think we also begin to see ore hatred and violence under the surface of her husband *we also see another problem, Tuesday was to be the “calling” day and Edna wasn’t prepared for the callers, she realizes that she no longer cares to do the things that her husband wants her to Chapter 24: *Edna’s father comes for a visit *he also portrays that the females should submit to the males *males are dominant?
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes the chapters in the awakening.
- Analyzes how edna gains control of her body and the sea becomes her friend.
- Analyzes how the story opens with the image of a caged bird representative of edna, who teaches the real bird her own language. the trained birds were what the men expected their wives to be.
- Analyzes how the parrot and mocking-bird were the property of mdm. lebrun, and they had the right to make all the noise they wanted.
- Analyzes the hypertext comment on the twins about being carbon copies and playing a duet which calls for complimentary parts, much like bird songs.
- Analyzes how pontellier's eyes flutter around reminds them of the jerky movement of birds, always on the watch, aware.
- Analyzes how edna leaves the place where the pontellier name should be continued, a place of intimacy and sexuality. she runs, flees, jumps out of this situation.
- Analyzes how the "mother-woman" was described as devoted mothers, always at their children's side, fluttering about with extended, protecting wings when any harm, real or imaginary, threatened their precious brood.
- Narrates how adele and edna's conversations about leaving their husband and children were foreign to them, which goes back to the hypertext about the parrot speaking a language they might have taught.
- Opines that edna is a complex character to follow. her actions are flighty and fluttery. the bird with the broken wing stumps them.
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- The Awakeninganalytical essayThe Awakening “Edna began to feel like one who awakens gradually out of a dream, a delicious, grotesque, impossible dream, to feel again the realities oppressing into her soul.” (Pg. 42) In Kate Chopin’s novel The Awakening the constant boundaries and restrictions placed on Edna Pontellier by society will lead to her struggle for freedom and her ultimate suicide. Her husband Leonce Pontellier, the current women of society, and the Grand Isle make it evident that Edna is trapped in a patriarchal society. There are constant boundaries and restrictions imposed on Edna Pontellier that ignite Edna’s struggle for freedom.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how kate chopin's novel the awakening makes it clear that edna pontellier is trapped in a patriarchal society.
- Analyzes how edna pontellier, a young creole wife and mother, feels unsatisfied with her marriage. leonce condemns her for neglecting their children.
- Analyzes how edna, unlike many women, does not worship her husband. she rips her wedding ring from her finger and throws it on the floor.
- Analyzes how edna's affections for her children depend on her mood, although her state of mind always makes clear that she loves them.
- Analyzes how the sea is where edna begins her search for freedom. she is unable to swim, despite practically everyone on the island giving her instruction.
- Analyzes how the sea urges edna to wander through life at her own pleasing.
- Analyzes how edna sought refuge in other men as an escape from her feelings of entrapment in her society. grand isle is the setting for a moment of self-discovery and liberation for her.
- Analyzes how edna withdraws from her husband while she continues to think of robert. art becomes the only form of expression that she can handle.
- Analyzes how chopin presents a character that seeks independence from society. edna pontellier represents the rebel in any person. the sea, robert lebrun, and mademoiselle reisz are her awakenings to the life that she wants and is living.
960 wordsRead More - freeaw The Awakening as a Story of Independence and Freedomopinionated essayThe Awakening as a Story of Independence and Freedom Kate Chopin's The Awakening is a work of fiction that tells the story of Edna Pontellier, Southern wife and mother. This book presents the reader with many tough questions and few answers. It is not hard to imagine why this book was banished for decades not long after its initial publication in 1899. At that time in history, women did just what they were expected to do. They were expected to be good daughters, good wives, and good mothers.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that women did exactly what they were expected to do in 1899.
- Opines that they want a good deal, of course, when they have to.
- Opines that robert will not marry her because it would disgrace her to leave her.
- Analyzes how edna feels like an outcast of her society by the end of the awakening.
- Describes the solution she sees to end her life, which she does by swimming out into the ocean.
- Opines that edna pursued a minor romance with alcee arobin.
- Analyzes how the film portrays what goes through the mind of a person who loses.
763 wordsRead More - The Great Awakekening: The First Great Awakeningexplanatory essayTHE FIRST GREAT AWAKENING The First Great Awakening was an extremely important religious revival that moved through the American colonies. This spiritual revival took place in the American colonies around 1730 to 1760. The First Great Awakening was able to gain a lot of momentum because of the influential preaching that taught the citizens of these colonies that the only way to salvation was by accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the first great awakening was an extremely important religious revival that moved through the american colonies around 1730 to 1760.
- Explains that the first great awakening was a significant christian revival that moved through the american colonies around 1730 to 1760.
- Opines that christianity achieved a more intimate relationship between believers and god. they also believe that teaching, public speaking, and the outpouring of all kinds of christian literature helped tremendously in drawing the colonists together.
- Explains that jonathan edwards was a critical leader and preacher during the first great awakening.
- Explains that george whitefield was an anglican minister who re-popularized itinerant evangelistic sermons, even when preached outside the bounds of a church structure.
- Opines that the first great awakening was effective because it sparked spiritual renewal by suggesting that redemption was available to everyone who would accept it.
1558 wordsRead More - awakeninganalytical essayEdna’s plight throughout the novel perfects her status as that individual going against society. Her reserve toward her children places her in abnormal standing. Her behavior, not necessarily of neglect but rather of apathetic involvement in their lives, contrasted the ideal motherly figure of the age. Madame Ratignolle, Edna’s friend, maintains quite a different air about her. She possesses the dependent attitude which the Creole society seems not only to encourage, but in some aspects requires. Although Edna loves her children dearly, and in spells needs them with fervor, she was more accustomed to leaving them with the nanny or a friend rather than looking after them herself. She would give anything for her children, but she would not give of herself. In an age of expected domestic dependence, Edna’s rejection of her obligations as a mother and a wife go against the tacit rules of the world in which she lives. Although Edna was outwardly performing the duties of her life, her heart was busy thinking other thoughts. Throughout the course of the summer, she falls in love with Robert Lebrun. Yes, he previously established he “third wheel” status in the families at Grande Isle, but this was another aspect of Edna’s life that pits her against her surroundings. As Robert falls in love with Edna, and she with him, her independent longing is inflamed, and her passions begin to overpower her self-control. Edna’s husband, Leonce, is more in love with the idea of a wife for himself and a mother for his children rather than Edna herself. This makes it easier for Edna to let go. When Robert suddenly leaves for Mexico on a business excursion, Edna becomes despondent and unfocused. Maybe through the severe longing for him and grief at his absence she becomes intensely connected to herself.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how kate chopin's the awakening takes one back to an earlier time while still provoking the questions of morality and self-sacrifice that exist today.
- Analyzes how edna's plight throughout the novel perfects her status as an individual going against society. her apathetic behavior contrasts with the ideal motherly figure of the age.
- Analyzes how edna pontellier, a wife, mother, hostess and friend, realizes that her values and choices in life are no longer acceptable in the society she currently lives in.
692 wordsRead More - The Escape of a Modern Housewife in Kate Chopin's The Awakeninganalytical essay...ourney. She meets a lot of people while at Grand Isle and falls in love with Robert. He awakens her, and makes her see who she really is, and after she finds herself, she is satisfied. Earlier in the novel, Edna has a fear of drowning, just like she had a fear of being independent and different than other, but she overcame her fears. There are many morals in The Awakening, such as “Don’t fear and excel as much as you can.” Edna was a courageous woman, and the only courageous woman, to make a difference in the sexes of the late 1980’s. She showed woman how to become free, no matter how hard it is.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how kate chopin's novel, the awakening, is a compelling story of the woman who falls in love with edna.
- Describes kate chopin as a writer of considerable sensibility and talent, born in 1880 in st. louis, missouri, who began writing after her husband's death. she wrote at fault, bayou folk, and a night at acadie.
- Analyzes how chopin's style of writing is good and precise from the beginning of the novel to the end.
- Analyzes how edna grew daring and reckless, overestimating her strength, and wanting to swim far out, where no woman had swum before. she wanted to escape the duties of being a wife and mother.
- Analyzes how the reader is directed into thinking the wrong assumption. the awakening takes you through events of what edna comes across throughout her journey.
1319 wordsRead More - Edna Pontellier’s Fall from Grace in Kate Chopin's The Awakeninganalytical essayThroughout the novel the reader gets a clear sense of Edna Pontellier's peculiar mind and her manic depressive state. She is continually plagued by the moment. Her mood shifts from highs to lows show the reader that a sadness is perpetually within her:
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how edna pontellier makes brief references to her childhood, including the bluegrass meadow, the visit from her father, and her lack of concern about her sister.
- Opines that the thoughts of not being in control of one's body or choices would be frightening for anyone, but for someone who has been physically violated, the fear of losing such control could be devastating, even life-threatening.
- Analyzes how edna pontellier's life is threatened by her own actions. she has a constant feeling of incongruity between her real self and her present circumstances.
- States franklin, r. f., "the awakening and the failure of psyche" in american literature.
- Analyzes how kate chopin tells of edna pontellier's struggle with fate in the novel the awakening.
- Analyzes how edna pontellier's extreme mood swings indicate a post-traumatic event, while her problems with boundary-setting and addictive infatuations also suggest the conflict.
1991 wordsRead More - It is the unwritten rule that a woman should marry, have children, and be happy and content with that as their life. Society portrays this to be a woman's rightful job and duty. A woman should act and look "proper" at all times. This is what Edna is fighting against in this novel. She feels that, though many women agree with this "known" rule, it isn't fair. For six years Edna conforms to these ideas by being a "proper" wife and mother, holding Tuesday socials and going to operas, following the same enduring schedule. It is only after her summer spent at Grand Isle that her "mechanical" lifestyle becomes apparent to her. She sees how much she is unhappy with the expectations, held by society, of her life and she wishes to erase them and live her life as she wants.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how edna pontellier is tired of living her life as a pampered and "owned" wife and mother. she is overcome with wonder, confusion, and guilt for what she believes.
- Analyzes how edna is fighting against the unwritten rule that a woman should marry, have children, and be happy and content with that as their life.
- Analyzes how edna has an independent, self-centered nature about her. her need for an uncontrolled lifestyle leaves her feeling "owned" and wanting to break that label. she cancels her tuesday socials and helps around the house doing little chores.
- Analyzes how edna pontellier's love for robert lebrun was her biggest obstacle to overcome. she wanted to be with him and love him without giving up her independence.
- Analyzes how edna is an admirable character who fought for independence against a social world that showed no mercy. her struggle and fight in the plot is inspirational and makes one realize just lucky they are to be able to speak their minds.
835 wordsRead More - Essay On The Awakening And Children Of Lightanalytical essayCourtney Worsham 6 January 2014 The Awakening vs. Children of Light Women’s role in society has changed greatly since World War II. In The Awakening by Kate Chopin, and Children of Light by Robert Stone, Edna Pontellier and Lu Anne Bourgeois are both mothers and wives who lived in different time periods. Women’s roles have changed since WWII and this paper will compare and contrast it with The Awakening and Children of Light. During World War II, 350,000 women served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how edna and lu anne want to become more than just a housewife but are unsure how to achieve independence. she's schizophrenic but he sees her problems differently.
- Narrates how lu anne and walker met when he went to mexico to watch the awakening production. lu ann wished for walter to love her and knew that if walter kept using cocaine and other drugs, she would die with him.
- Analyzes how edna and lu anne were selfish in taking their own lives and not considering the effect it would have on their families.
- Analyzes how edna regretted getting married and having children and feared that she would never become free. robert stone and kate chopin made it a statement to show how the complications of lu anne's life led to them committing suicide.
- Compares the awakening by kate chopin, and children of light by robert stone, edna pontellier and lu anne bourgeois.
- Explains that edna pontellier and lu anne bourgeois were both mothers and wives who were expected to take on the role of a housewife.
1521 wordsRead More - Breaking the Social Norms: Kate Chopin's The Awakeninganalytical essayThe most prevalent and obvious gender issue present in the novella was that Edna challenged cultural norms and broke societal expectations in an attempt to define herself. Editors agree, “Edna Pontellier flouts social convention on almost every page…Edna consistently disregards her ‘duties’ to her husband, her children, and her ‘station’ in life” (Culley 120). Due to this, she did not uphold what was expected of her because she was trying to be superior, and women were expected to be subordinate to men. During that time, the women were viewed as possessions that men controlled. It was the woman’s job to clean the house, cook the meals, and take care of the children, yet Edna did none of these things. Her lifestyle was much different. She refused to listen to her husband as time progressed and continually pushed the boundaries of her role. For example, during that time period “the wife was bound to live with her husban...
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how kate chopin's novella the awakening alienates the main character, edna pontellier, from traditional roles in family, country, church, or other social institutions.
- Analyzes how edna pontellier challenged cultural norms and broke societal expectations in an attempt to define herself.
- Analyzes how edna disobeyed the rules of society and her role as a mother. she idolized her children, worshiped her husbands, and was gratified by their absence.
- Analyzes how edna's independent nature and her disregard of societal rules caused her to lose many relationships — she broke creole social and religious customs in order to define herself.
- Analyzes edna's lack of friendships at the dinner she hosts to celebrate her moving. since she was going against conventions by moving out of her house without her husband, she did not receive as much support from her friends.
- Analyzes how edna broke social norms, causing her to lose her relationships, and ultimately lose everything she had. because of her actions and her refusal to meet expectations, she was left with nothing to live for.
- Analyzes how edna's odd relationship with her husband caused him to question her sanity and ultimately leave, never to return again in the novella.
- Analyzes how edna had to live for robert because she loved him so dearly, but he too abandoned her in the end.
- Analyzes how edna figured that the only choice for her was to commit suicide so that she could have some fragment of freedom, independence, and control.
- Analyzes how edna is left alone because no one understands her desire to redefine herself outside of traditional societal roles for women. she is defeated and returns to the womb-like embrace of the sea.
- Analyzes how edna pontellier ignored the guidelines for women in the 1800's and destroyed relationships. she broke social conventions, which damaged her reputation and relationships with her friends, husband, and children.
- Cites carley rees' book, "the awakening: a refusal to compromise." gale literature resource center.
1558 wordsRead More - Reader Response to The Awakening I very much enjoyed this story, almost hard to believe that it was written in 1899! I can imagine that it was very shocking to read of a womans sexual awakening. I found the opening imagery very interesting, could this beautiful bird in the cage symbolize Edna? Very interesting that in the opening lines Chopin is having a beautiful and caged creature telling satin to go away, to get out. And in French yet, the language of love.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that it was shocking to read of a woman's sexual awakening.
- Analyzes chopin's opening imagery of a beautiful and caged creature telling satin to go away, to get out, and in french yet, the language of love.
- Analyzes how hopin gives us a glimpse of what is to happen later in the story.
- Opines that the woman in black who is constantly following the young lovers around and saying the rosary is praying for edna and robert.
- Analyzes how imagry of the sea is everywhere, and always seems to be calling out to edna, is it the gulf-spirit that she joins in the end?
- Analyzes how the symbolism of edna learning to swim stuck out in their mind when they initially read the piece as they felt that it was symbolic of her emerging sense of freedom, her awakening and then the fear that she has because of this.
- Analyzes how chopin conveys ednas struggle with the concept of romantic versus sexual love within a single line and repeats that line for emphasis.
479 wordsRead More