The Awakening1
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 w
Adele, in chapter seven, "more careful of her complexion, had twined a gauze veil about her head. After struggling, she learns to swim in the ocean. The symbolism in this novel is strong in every chapter. A few nights she does not sleep, leaving her to rest during the day. It is not only Edna that is represented by clothes. Even the smallest detail or flow of language adds to the story's meaning and emotion. Her sleep patterns vary with her emotions. Understanding the symbolism makes the novel more emotional and comprehensible. The pigeon house is a place where she can create her own world to escape from societal pressures. Slowly, as the story continues, Edna sheds her clothes. Her awakenings come at different times throughout the story. This is where the "mother-woman" goes. Grand Isle, where the novel begins, is a societal place to Edna.
Common topics in this essay:
Mme Antoine's,
Reisz Edna,
Kate Chopin's,
Kate Chopin,
Grand Isle,
Away Heaven's,
Mlle Reisz,
Mme Leburn,
throughout novel,
Saprtisti That's,
pigeon house,
symbolism awakening,
adds meaning,
societal rules,
allez vous-en,
escape society,
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Acceptance Essays
