The Awakening Kate Chopin

Information about Chopin Native of St. Louis Missouri, she was the daughter of a French Creole upper class family and an Irish immigrant. Native of St. Louis Missouri, she was the daughter of a French Creole upper class family and an Irish immigrant. Her father died when she was young and her brother died of typhoid fever during the Civil War. Her father died when she was young and her brother died of typhoid fever during the Civil War. She grew up in a very devout Catholic family. She grew up in a very devout Catholic family.

Information about Chopin She married (at 21) a wealthy banker and cotton dealer and moved to New Orleans’s American district away from her Creole ties. She married (at 21) a wealthy banker and cotton dealer and moved to New Orleans’s American district away from her Creole ties. She vacationed in Grand Isle She vacationed in Grand Isle Oscar’s business soured in 1879 and the family was forced to move to family property. Oscar’s business soured in 1879 and the family was forced to move to family property. In 1883, Oscar died of swamp fever and Chopin was left to raise her 6 children alone. In 1883, Oscar died of swamp fever and Chopin was left to raise her 6 children alone.

Information about Chopin To overcome her grief she began reading Darwin, Huxley, Freud, and Spencer. To overcome her grief she began reading Darwin, Huxley, Freud, and Spencer. Her early works include stories of local color and children’s tales. Her early works include stories of local color and children’s tales. She gained much acclaim and criticism for her stories of women’s struggles and the injustices of a male dominated society. She gained much acclaim and criticism for her stories of women’s struggles and the injustices of a male dominated society.

Background Two settings for the novel: Grand Isle, Louisiana and New Orleans, Louisiana circa Two settings for the novel: Grand Isle, Louisiana and New Orleans, Louisiana circa New Orleans is a relatively easy going society. Husbands are not jealous of the attention their wives receive from other men. Women do not seriously entertain the attention. New Orleans is a relatively easy going society. Husbands are not jealous of the attention their wives receive from other men. Women do not seriously entertain the attention.

Background Edna is a southern Presbyterian while her husband is Creole. She grew up with strict moral codes and a definite separation of males and females. Edna is a southern Presbyterian while her husband is Creole. She grew up with strict moral codes and a definite separation of males and females. During this time Victorian attitudes were influenced by Darwin and Freud. There was a call to keep humans above animals by denying passions. This influence is seen in the novel. During this time Victorian attitudes were influenced by Darwin and Freud. There was a call to keep humans above animals by denying passions. This influence is seen in the novel.

Background continued At the beginning of the book, Edna reflects the more traditional conservative values. At the beginning of the book, Edna reflects the more traditional conservative values.

Chapter 1 Analysis What did you notice as you read?

A green and yellow parrot, which hung in a cage outside the door, kept repeating over and over: "Allez vous-en! Allez vous-en! Sapristi! That's all right!" He could speak a little Spanish, and also a language which nobody understood, unless it was the mocking-bird that hung on the other side of the door, whistling his fluty notes out upon the breeze with maddening persistence. Mr. Pontellier, unable to read his newspaper with any degree of comfort, arose with an expression and an exclamation of disgust. He walked down the gallery and across the narrow "bridges" which connected the Lebrun cottages one with the other. He had been seated before the door of the main house. The parrot and the mockingbird were the property of Madame Lebrun, and they had the right to make all the noise they wished. Mr. Pontellier had the privilege of quitting their society when they ceased to be entertaining. He stopped before the door of his own cottage, which was the fourth one from the main building and next to the last. Seating himself in a wicker rocker which was there, he once more applied himself to the task of reading the newspaper. The day was Sunday; the paper was a day old. The Sunday papers had not yet reached Grand Isle. He was already acquainted with the market reports, and he glanced restlessly over the editorials and bits of news which he had not had time to read before quitting New Orleans the day before.

Symbols

Symbolism in the novel - Art Art becomes the symbol for freedom and failure. Mademoiselle Reisz often cautions Edna about what it take to be an artist – the “courageous soul” and the “strong wings” Art becomes the symbol for freedom and failure. Mademoiselle Reisz often cautions Edna about what it take to be an artist – the “courageous soul” and the “strong wings”

Symbols - Birds Birds are a major symbol from the first sentence to the final image. Birds are a major symbol from the first sentence to the final image. Mockingbird and parrot symbolize various attempts to communicate. Mockingbird and parrot symbolize various attempts to communicate. The parrot screeches, “Get out! Get out!” could foreshadow Edna’s desire to leave her middle class life. The parrot screeches, “Get out! Get out!” could foreshadow Edna’s desire to leave her middle class life. The caging of the birds indicates entrapment. The ability to spread wings and fly in a symbolic theme. The caging of the birds indicates entrapment. The ability to spread wings and fly in a symbolic theme. The broken-winged bird at the end represents Edna’s failure to fully free herself. The broken-winged bird at the end represents Edna’s failure to fully free herself.

Symbols - Food There are several meals in the text, and each stresses mythic aspects of the text. There are several meals in the text, and each stresses mythic aspects of the text. The meal on Cheniere Caminada occurs after she awakens from a fairy tale sleep The dinner party in chapter 30 by some critics is viewed as a re-creation of the Last Supper. The meal on Cheniere Caminada occurs after she awakens from a fairy tale sleep The dinner party in chapter 30 by some critics is viewed as a re-creation of the Last Supper.

Symbols - Swimming Swimming appears in the book three times. 1 st – Edna tells Ratignolle of her experience as a young girl “swimming” through the meadow. 2 nd – Edna learns to swim which gives her a rush of emotions – freedom. 3 rd – Her suicide. Swimming appears in the book three times. 1 st – Edna tells Ratignolle of her experience as a young girl “swimming” through the meadow. 2 nd – Edna learns to swim which gives her a rush of emotions – freedom. 3 rd – Her suicide.

Symbols - Water Water is both a symbol of freedom and escape. Edna remember the Kentucky fields as an ocean the day she “swam” in the meadow. Her learning to swim in the Gulf is a significant step in her self-assertion, and she finally escapes to the sea. Water is both a symbol of freedom and escape. Edna remember the Kentucky fields as an ocean the day she “swam” in the meadow. Her learning to swim in the Gulf is a significant step in her self-assertion, and she finally escapes to the sea. Even in New Orleans there are frequent water references – rain and the view of the river. Even in New Orleans there are frequent water references – rain and the view of the river.

Symbols – Piano There is a great deal of piano playing in the novel. There is a great deal of piano playing in the novel. In the opening scene the Farvial twins are playing which serves as an allusion to the opera. In the opening scene the Farvial twins are playing which serves as an allusion to the opera. On the evening when Edna learns to swim, the twins play again but are replaced by the more artistic Mademoiselle Reisz. On the evening when Edna learns to swim, the twins play again but are replaced by the more artistic Mademoiselle Reisz.

Symbols – Piano Both Adele and Reisz play the piano. Each woman functions to underscore a different aspect of the narrative. Both Adele and Reisz play the piano. Each woman functions to underscore a different aspect of the narrative. Adele is proficient because she practices, but she has no love of the music. (She sets a good example for her children and entertains at parties.) Adele is proficient because she practices, but she has no love of the music. (She sets a good example for her children and entertains at parties.) Reisz is an artist. It is while she plays that Edna has her “visions”. Reisz serves as a mentor for Edna on her path toward individuality. Reisz is an artist. It is while she plays that Edna has her “visions”. Reisz serves as a mentor for Edna on her path toward individuality.

Symbols – Sleep and Awakening The first night in the novel, Edna cannot sleep after her husband rebukes her for neglecting the children, thus beginning her awakening. The first night in the novel, Edna cannot sleep after her husband rebukes her for neglecting the children, thus beginning her awakening. The night of Edna’s first swim she cannot sleep, but the next day she experiences the deep, dream-filled sleep of her nap at Madame Antoine. The night of Edna’s first swim she cannot sleep, but the next day she experiences the deep, dream-filled sleep of her nap at Madame Antoine.

Symbols – Sleep and Awakening Each major episode – disagreements with Leonce, encounters with Alcee, Madame Ratignolle’s childbed – are punctuated by specific mentions of Edna’s sleep, or lack of sleep. Each major episode – disagreements with Leonce, encounters with Alcee, Madame Ratignolle’s childbed – are punctuated by specific mentions of Edna’s sleep, or lack of sleep. During this time, physical sleep also comes to represent a state of unawareness as Edna’s conversation with Dr. Mandlet the night of the birth, the night before Edna’s suicide. During this time, physical sleep also comes to represent a state of unawareness as Edna’s conversation with Dr. Mandlet the night of the birth, the night before Edna’s suicide.

Themes

Themes – Repressed Feelings Almost everyone in the book, with the exception of the Ratignolles, represses their feelings, and this repression has a significant impact on how the characters interact and how the plot develops. Almost everyone in the book, with the exception of the Ratignolles, represses their feelings, and this repression has a significant impact on how the characters interact and how the plot develops.

Themes – Repressed Feelings Early in the novel, we learn that Leonce truly loves Edna but he never expresses these feelings Early in the novel, we learn that Leonce truly loves Edna but he never expresses these feelings Robert flees to Mexico before he’d intended rather than express his love for Edna. Then he delays seeing Edna when he returns. Robert flees to Mexico before he’d intended rather than express his love for Edna. Then he delays seeing Edna when he returns. Reisz seems to possess an insight into matters of the heart and soul, yet she never expresses what in her past has allowed her to develop this insight. Reisz seems to possess an insight into matters of the heart and soul, yet she never expresses what in her past has allowed her to develop this insight. Ultimately, Edna’s inability to continue to repress her newly discovered feelings drives her to suicide. Ultimately, Edna’s inability to continue to repress her newly discovered feelings drives her to suicide.

Themes – Personal Freedom Most of the characters are trapped by social expectations. Most of the characters are trapped by social expectations. The only characters who are not, Victor Lebrun, Reisz, and Alcee are criticized by the others. The only characters who are not, Victor Lebrun, Reisz, and Alcee are criticized by the others. As Edna gains personal freedom, she falls subject to gossip and social criticism As Edna gains personal freedom, she falls subject to gossip and social criticism

Themes – Role of Women The society of Kate Chopin’s novel allows for one feminine role, and that is the wife/mother. The society of Kate Chopin’s novel allows for one feminine role, and that is the wife/mother. The various characters in the novel represent the various responses to this single role. The various characters in the novel represent the various responses to this single role.

Themes – Role of Women Madame Ratignolle fills the role perfectly. She is the “embodiment of every womanly grace and charm.” She is pregnant throughout the novel – and the birth of her child is a precipitating event in Edna’s suicide. She and her husband genuinely adore one another. Madame Ratignolle fills the role perfectly. She is the “embodiment of every womanly grace and charm.” She is pregnant throughout the novel – and the birth of her child is a precipitating event in Edna’s suicide. She and her husband genuinely adore one another. Mademoiselle Reisz represent women who have foresworn the wife/mother role. She is described as “a disagreeable little woman, no longer young...temper which was self-assertive and a disposition to trample upon the rights of others.” She lives in something approaching poverty. Mademoiselle Reisz represent women who have foresworn the wife/mother role. She is described as “a disagreeable little woman, no longer young...temper which was self-assertive and a disposition to trample upon the rights of others.” She lives in something approaching poverty. Edna finds it difficult to fill the role to the point of death. Edna finds it difficult to fill the role to the point of death.

Themes – Alienation and Loneliness Reisz lives alone but does not seem to be lonely. Reisz lives alone but does not seem to be lonely. Edna feels lonely when with her husband/children and more at peace when she is alone. Edna feels lonely when with her husband/children and more at peace when she is alone. Alcee offers her physical companionship, but she feels no less alone when she is with him. Alcee offers her physical companionship, but she feels no less alone when she is with him. With Robert, Edna is not lonely. His absence does contribute to Edna’s suicide. With Robert, Edna is not lonely. His absence does contribute to Edna’s suicide.

Themes – Consequences of Choices Immediately before Robert and Edna’s reunion, Madame Ratignolle warns Edna, “You seem to act without a certain amount of reflection which is necessary in this life.” Immediately before Robert and Edna’s reunion, Madame Ratignolle warns Edna, “You seem to act without a certain amount of reflection which is necessary in this life.” Through much of the book Edna acts without considering the social consequences of her actions. Through much of the book Edna acts without considering the social consequences of her actions. Leonce is concerned with how Edna’s moving will appear. Leonce is concerned with how Edna’s moving will appear. The children seem more aware of the consequences of Edna’s move when they ask where they and their father will sleep. The children seem more aware of the consequences of Edna’s move when they ask where they and their father will sleep. One could speculate that Edna does not consider the consequences of her suicide. One could speculate that Edna does not consider the consequences of her suicide.

Edna’s Suicide Why would Chopin choose this act as the ending of a novel about a woman’s self-discovery?

Edna’s Suicide Female suicide was a popular Victorian literary convention. Female suicide was a popular Victorian literary convention. It was the standard retribution for a female character who commits adultery. It was the standard retribution for a female character who commits adultery. Flaubert’s heroine Emma in Madame Bouvary Flaubert’s heroine Emma in Madame Bouvary Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina George Eliot’s Maggie Tulliver in Mill on the Floss George Eliot’s Maggie Tulliver in Mill on the Floss Hardy’s Tess in Tess of D’Urberville Hardy’s Tess in Tess of D’Urberville

Edna’s Suicide - Interpretations A positive embracing of the next step in her awakening A positive embracing of the next step in her awakening A desperate act by a woman who awakens only to find that she has no viable future. A desperate act by a woman who awakens only to find that she has no viable future. Edna’s suicide is not really a suicide at all. Edna’s suicide is not really a suicide at all.

Edna’s Suicide – Positive Embrace The language, imagery, and tone of the final scene echo motifs introduced in two other key references to the sea and swimming. The language, imagery, and tone of the final scene echo motifs introduced in two other key references to the sea and swimming. The final scene repeats words found in chapter 6, “The voice of the sea is seductive; never ceasing, whispering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander for a spell in the abysses of solitude…” The final scene repeats words found in chapter 6, “The voice of the sea is seductive; never ceasing, whispering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander for a spell in the abysses of solitude…” Also, these words first appear when Edna refuses to swim with Robert and then is seduced by the sea when she finally gives in and goes. “The touch of the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace.” Also, these words first appear when Edna refuses to swim with Robert and then is seduced by the sea when she finally gives in and goes. “The touch of the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace.”

Edna’s Suicide – Positive Embrace The sea offers limitless possibilities for some form of transcended state. “As she swam she seemed to be reaching out for the unlimited in which to lose herself.” The sea offers limitless possibilities for some form of transcended state. “As she swam she seemed to be reaching out for the unlimited in which to lose herself.” In the final scene, she does not experience fear until she looks back toward the shore and fears her inability to return. In the final scene, she does not experience fear until she looks back toward the shore and fears her inability to return.

Edna’s Suicide – Positive Embrace Again during her final swim, “She did not look back now, but went on and on, thinking of the blue-grass meadow that she had traversed when a little child, believing that it had no beginning and no end.” Again during her final swim, “She did not look back now, but went on and on, thinking of the blue-grass meadow that she had traversed when a little child, believing that it had no beginning and no end.” Here, Edna is not ending the trials of her life as much as she is embracing eternity. Here, Edna is not ending the trials of her life as much as she is embracing eternity.

Edna’s Suicide – Positive Embrace Her first swim is also described as “like the little tottering, stumbling, clutching child, who all of a sudden realizes its powers, and walks for the first time alone, boldly and with over-confidence. She could have shouted for joy. She did shout for joy.” Her first swim is also described as “like the little tottering, stumbling, clutching child, who all of a sudden realizes its powers, and walks for the first time alone, boldly and with over-confidence. She could have shouted for joy. She did shout for joy.” The childlike newness is reprised in the final episode as Edna stands naked on the beach she, “felt like some new-born creature, opening its eyes in a familiar world that it had never known.” The childlike newness is reprised in the final episode as Edna stands naked on the beach she, “felt like some new-born creature, opening its eyes in a familiar world that it had never known.” Thus the second experience – like the first- is a realization of a new power-a rebirth. Thus the second experience – like the first- is a realization of a new power-a rebirth.

Edna’s Suicide – Desperate Act Consider Edna’s options at the moment immediately before her suicide. 1. She could return to Leonce and her family. He would take her back as he made excuses for her moving in the first place. However, she would then be even more unhappy knowing the freedom she would be giving up. Consider Edna’s options at the moment immediately before her suicide. 1. She could return to Leonce and her family. He would take her back as he made excuses for her moving in the first place. However, she would then be even more unhappy knowing the freedom she would be giving up. 2. She could remain alone in the pigeon house and end up bitter like Reisz.

Edna’s Suicide – Desperate Act` 3. She would not be happy with Robert. Marriage to him would be similar to the life she leads now. In their conversations about marriage, Robert espouses the Creole view of a man in love. 4. She cannot hope to marry Alcee Arobin. She does not love him, and she is just one in a long line of conquests for Alcee.

Edna’s Suicide – Desperate Act Given her lack of satisfactory options, and her demonstrated lack of personal strength, it would appear that Edna chooses death more as the only solution to her situation that she can imagine. Given her lack of satisfactory options, and her demonstrated lack of personal strength, it would appear that Edna chooses death more as the only solution to her situation that she can imagine.

Was it really suicide? There is evidence to suggest that Edna’s intention was not suicide. There is evidence to suggest that Edna’s intention was not suicide. Edna is established as someone who acts without fully thinking through the consequences of her actions. Edna is established as someone who acts without fully thinking through the consequences of her actions. In ch. 33, Adele tells her, “In some way you seem like a child. You seem to act without a certain amount of reflection which is necessary in life.” In ch. 33, Adele tells her, “In some way you seem like a child. You seem to act without a certain amount of reflection which is necessary in life.”

Was it really suicide? Edna does not consider the consequences of her actions. Edna does not consider the consequences of her actions. As she approaches the sea for her final swim, she does so numbly, in an unthinking manner: “Edna walked on down to the beach rather mechanically, not noticing anything special except that the sun was hot. She was not dwelling upon any particular train of thought. She had done all the thinking which was necessary after Robert went away, when she lay awake upon the sofa till morning.” As she approaches the sea for her final swim, she does so numbly, in an unthinking manner: “Edna walked on down to the beach rather mechanically, not noticing anything special except that the sun was hot. She was not dwelling upon any particular train of thought. She had done all the thinking which was necessary after Robert went away, when she lay awake upon the sofa till morning.”

Was it really suicide? The narrator speculates on Edna’s frame of mind, her losing all desire. The narrator speculates on Edna’s frame of mind, her losing all desire. Her feeling as though her children were lifelong impediments to her self-fulfillment, but then we are told, “She was not thinking of these things when she walked down the beach.” Her feeling as though her children were lifelong impediments to her self-fulfillment, but then we are told, “She was not thinking of these things when she walked down the beach.” And then she swims and swims, growing increasingly tired. The reader is left to infer her death. And then she swims and swims, growing increasingly tired. The reader is left to infer her death.

So what does this mean? Chopin’s apparent desire to keep the end of her novel ambiguous suggests that even she is uncertain about the meaning of Edna’s life and the “success” of her awakening. Chopin’s apparent desire to keep the end of her novel ambiguous suggests that even she is uncertain about the meaning of Edna’s life and the “success” of her awakening.