The Awakening by Kate Chopin

I. Introduction A. The role of women and marriage in late 19 th century (into the 20 th century America) 1. Women as property---marriage 2. the disenfranchisement of women (no vote—suffragette movements) 3. social roles—the hostess (remember Mrs. Higgins in Pygmalion)

A. The Role of Women (continued) 4. Family roles—wife and mother 5. Women’s lived vicariously—through others (especially men) 6. A culture of disparagement and condescension (that still exists today)

B. Kate Chopin (1850—1904) 1. Grew up in St. Louis with an Irish-American father and a Creole mother 2. Father died young—Kate grows up in a house full of women—becomes very independent and 3. Marries at 19 to a gentle wealthy businessman who tolerates her unconventional ways

B. Kate Chopin (continued) 4. Husband (Oscar) dies in 1883 (married 14 years—Kate is 33) and leaves her financially secure 5. Dr. Kolbenheyer’s friendship and influence 6. Her writing style 7. The uproar over The Awakening (1899)

II.Major Themes A. Psychological B. Living the authentic life C. Independence

II. Major Themes (continued) D. Duty E. Marriage F. Loneliness

II. Major Themes (continued) G. Sex and Love H. Independence I. The Role of Art

C. Characters 1. Edna 2. Leonce 3. Adele Ratingnole— the “mother-woman”

C. Characters (continued) 4. Mademoiselle Ruisz 5. Robert 6. Alcee Arobin 7. Dr. Mandolet

D.Setting 1. Grand Isle 2. New Orleans Home a. New Orleans itself b. The Big House c. The Pigeon House

E. Symbolism 1. Art 2. Birds 3. Clothes 4. Food / eating

E. Symbolism 5. Swimming 6. The sea 7. The moon 8. Piano 9. sleep