Kate Chopin's "The Awakening"

Paper Summary:

The paper informs that an important element of "The Awakening" is the time that it was written, the 19th century when women were not seen as much more than wives and mothers. The author points out that Chopin uses elements outside of Edna's home to bring her pleasure, such as her love for the sea. The paper concludes that ending her life was one decision she could make on her own, and it was one action that no one could prevent her from taking; her final act finally frees her from her depression.

From the Paper:

"It is also important to note that Edna is described as being the mother-woman, which indicates that her depression extends beyond her marriage. There is something about motherhood that does not satisfy Edna. In fact, throughout the story, Edna wrestles with her feelings for her children. This becomes clear when she moves to the pigeon house. After being away from them for a week, she was glad to see them, but Chopin never presents them in a way that indicates a long-lasting happiness. For example, we are told, "The children appeared before her like antagonists who had overcome her; who had overpowered and sought to drag her into the soul's slavery for the rest of her days" (151). Additionally, we know that even her responsibility to her children is not enough to pull her from her depression."

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