The Need For Independence In Kate Chopin's The Awakening

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A Need for Independence In 1899 the topic of women's rights was rarely discussed. It would be twenty one years before women would even be granted the right to vote. At a time where women were expected to abide by the social standards set for them, to behave in submission to their husband, Kate Chopin wrote the Awakening to call attention to this pressing issue. The main character in the novel, Edna Pontellier, is an example of a character who faced inner conflict while struggling with finding her place in society. Edna struggled with her roles as a wife and a mother. It wasn't until Edna was able to break away from an oppressive society that she was able to strengthen her individuality. Stubborn as she is, Edna married Le'once Pontellier partially to demonstrate defiance to her …show more content…
Chopin writes, "Her marriage to Le'once Pontellier was purely an accident, in this respect resembling many other marriages which masquerade as the decrees of Fate" (Chopin 18). When Edna first met Le'once, she was flattered by his complete devotion to her. Le'once was a Catholic which contradicted the views of Edna's family, so naturally she was drawn to him and agreed to marry him. However, as the marriage progressed struggles began to arise between the once happily married couple. One of the first indications of trouble within the marriage is when Edna breaks down and attempts to destroy her ring. Mr. Pontellier's abrupt departure from dinner to go to the club prompted Edna's outburst. She began throwing objects and having a fit. When the maid came to help, Edna picked up her ring and returned it to her finger, and life continued as it was. This scene is a good depiction of the inner frustration and conflicts that Edna faced but could not outwardly express. Chopin includes passages to give readers insight as to what

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December 2014 In the novel The Awakening by Kate Chopin the main character, Edna Pontellier, undergoes several awakenings that reveal her destiny to become an independent individual or die trying. Edna is an audacious and extraordinary woman whose need to forget her old life drives her to begin a new one where she is truly free. This nineteenth century novel was written when both realism and romanticism literary traditions were popular. Edna represents Chopin’s abandonment of realism and romanticism…

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