Symbolism Of Water In The Awakening

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One of the beauties of literature is the deep meaning that may lie behind everyday objects. Writers throughout the ages have given a whole new prospective to different colors, different times of day, the sun, the moon, and most interestingly, water. In The Awakening, there are several instances of symbolize but none as strong as that of the symbolism of water. Water can symbolize many different ideas in literature which is greatly shown in The Awakening. Many of these different schools of thoughts and symbolism, can be seen through the story’s main character, Edna Pontellier as well. As Edna develops as a character in the story and becomes a stronger woman, her swimming abilities and love of water also grow. As she begins to swim more, she …show more content…

Some of the most popular uses of water in literature include representing themes such as life, death, the soul, a cleansing, as well as creation and destruction. The sea in particular has often been cast in the past as its own ominous presence. A being of uncertainty and infinite depths, the sea is often a mysterious force in literature with many different meanings. The sea can be seen as the start of new beginnings and adventures as well as a dark end all. Throughout The Awakening, water is used to symbolize fear, frustration, rebirth, and liberation. This symbolism can be seen throughout the story in corporation with the main character, Edna …show more content…

Just as the sea brought Edna her independence, the sea also brought along troubles for her and her family. As she begins to feel more and more daring and independent, she began to become more likely to defy her husband and the set rules that society had set for her. Edna soon begins to abandon her family and children for solitude and has several instances of infidelity with Arobin. The sea can be seen to be a dark mysterious place for many. A place full of uncertainty, unbound depths, fear and darkness. Just as the sea brought Edna light, the sea brought darkness. The ending of The Awakening leaves the audience with a bit of uncertainty. The fate of Edna is not revealed but it is a common assumption that Edna had drown in the tide. This can represent Edna’s final escape from society and her final escape from her worries and

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