Kate Chopin's The Awakening

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In "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin, Edna's pursuit of self-fulfillment plays a crucial role in her final decision. As she comes to understand what fulfillment means to her, she begins to seek autonomy and freedom, which leads her to question and not listen to the societal expectations. Edna's journey in "The Awakening" is shaped by her pursuit of self-fulfillment, but it's not just about feeling unfulfilled. Instead, her idea of what fulfillment means changes over time. At first, she tries to meet society's expectations, but she realizes this doesn't make her happy. As the story unfolds, she starts to value personal freedom and autonomy more than fitting into society's mold. This shift in perspective is what really guides her choices and drives …show more content…
Edna's choice to end her life can be seen as a final act of defiance against a society that stifles her individuality and autonomy. It is unlikely that Edna's journey and ending could have been different from what Chopin wrote in the book. The societal constraints and expectations placed on women during that time period were so pervasive and oppressive that Edna's pursuit of self-fulfillment was destined to lead to tragedy. The ending of the novel serves as a commentary on the limitations placed on women's autonomy and independence in a patriarchal society. "But whatever came, she had resolved never again to belong to another than herself" (Chopin, Chapter XXXIX). This quote illustrates Edna's realization that she cannot find true fulfillment within the confines of societal expectations. It reflects her determination to prioritize her own autonomy and individuality, even if it means defying the norms of society. This resolution ultimately leads her to her final decision at the end of the novel. In conclusion, Edna's lack of self-fulfillment is a driving force in her ultimate decision at the end of "The
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