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Recommended: Gender roles in kate chopins the awakening

In the acclaimed novel The Awakening, by Kate Chopin the author depicts to her readers a world of a seemingly endless entrapment in which Edna Portlier is forced to live in. She vividly describes the inner strife Edna Pontellier faces each day as she is obliged to comply with typical societal norms in the 19th century. In that time period, the disparity between women and men was blatantly evident, for women were unable to express any opinion that differed from mainstream ways of thinking. Marriage was a mere confinement for women; they were never viewed as equals but as property by their husbands. Through the authors exquisitely implemented literary devices she efficiently examined the bases of marriage life, and the uniform effects of marriage on women in society. Wives were expected to partake in a certain role, whether it was a housewife, caretaker, or socialite, women were neglected the opportunity to strive for something other than the stereotypical anticipations at the time. Through Chopin’s edifying usage of symbolism, characterization, and juxtaposition, she emphasizes the lack of respect husbands displayed as they belittled the capabilities of their wives to think, act, and be in control of their own lives.
As the story unfolds we are instantly immersed into a corrupt world, a world where Edna feels enclosed from her own life. She feels as though life has abandoned her, and forgotten the wishes and dreams she once believed were attainable. As she reflected, she pondered a worthy enough reason justifying why she is has been burdened with a life that is lifeless. Her feelings were powerfully disclosed by Chopin’s words, “It was not despair, but it seemed to her as if life were passing by, leaving its promises broken and un...

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...their own wants and needs resulting in a plethora of bottled up feelings many wives felt. Edna’s genuinely distraught character depicts marriage as a submissive hold on women, one that has no end to the monotonous servitude followed. During Edna’s inner awakening, she discovers her own identity and acknowledges her emotional and sexual desires that have long been absent from her life. Ultimately, as Edna obtains independence she in turn bears the consequence of ending her own life to showcase a sense of determination, and perseverance. Edna gracefully refrained from letting society get the best of her; it was not an act submission but in contrast an act of utter defiance from society, and the marriage. Edna’s suicide was the only manner in which she was to ever enjoy her life, a life where her spirit can be awakened again in a state of pure bliss and inner peace.

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