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 was beating the air above, fluttering, circling disabled down, down to the water."(558) She went down in the water, naked, to die. The nakedness is a very important symbol in this novel. Clothing or lack there of, is a symbol.
             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 in her life. Finally, at the end of the novel she has shed everything in her quest to find herself. She...