Symbols in Kate Chopin's The Awakening

Kate Chopin's The Awakening is a novel that's really something special. It dives into big themes like societal expectations, finding yourself, and what happens when you don't play by the rules. One of the coolest things about the book is how it uses symbols to tell the story on a deeper level. Symbols like birds, the ocean, and art show us Edna Pontellier's path to figuring out who she really is. Let's look at these symbols and see why they're so important.

Birds: A Symbol of Freedom

So, birds are everywhere in this book. They stand for freedom and wanting to break away from the norm. Edna, our main character, feels stuck being a wife and mom back in the 19th century when society was super strict. She wants to be free, just like a bird flying high above all those societal rules. Right at the start, there's this parrot squawking, "Allez vous-en! Allez vous-en! Sapristi! That's all right!" (Chopin 1). It's kind of funny but deep too because it's almost like Edna's hidden desires shouting for her to ditch her old life. This little parrot sets up Edna’s whole journey as she starts thinking about what she really wants in life.

The Ocean: Freedom with a Side of Danger

Now let’s talk about the ocean. It’s got this double meaning—it’s all about freedom but also danger. The ocean's described as "seductive" and "serene" (Chopin 1), and it pulls Edna in. When she's by the water, she starts feeling independent and begins exploring who she is beyond being just someone’s wife or mom. But hey, let's not forget—it's dangerous too. It ends up being where Edna makes her final stand against what society expects of her. So yeah, while it represents escape and freedom, it also shows us there are risks involved in going against the grain.

Art: A Way to Find Yourself

Edna gets really into art as she starts waking up to who she really is. Art becomes her way to express herself when words just won't do it justice. Through painting and drawing, she finds a way to voice her thoughts and emotions and even starts understanding herself better. It gives her some control over her own life in a world that often tries to box her in. Remember when Edna visits Mademoiselle Reisz's studio? The music and art there leave such an impact on her that it pushes her toward pursuing her artistic dreams.

The Takeaway

Symbolism isn't just sprinkled on top; it's baked right into the narrative cake of The Awakening. By looking at these symbols—birds craving freedom, the dual-natured ocean, and self-expressive art—we see Edna’s struggles more clearly. The novel digs deep into what happens when someone dares to live differently than expected or allowed by society. It's an honest look at how powerful our desires can be if we choose to chase them down.

References

• Chopin, K. (1899). The Awakening. Herbert S. Stone & Co.
• Culley, M.M., ed. (1976). The Awakening: An Authoritative Text Backgrounds Criticism. Norton Critical Editions.
• Toth, E.W., Seyersted P., eds (1999). A Kate Chopin Miscellany. Northwestern State University Press.
• Petry A.S., ed (1997). Kate Chopin: Complete Novels & Stories. Library of America.
• Seyersted P., ed (1969). Kate Chopin: A Critical Biography. Louisiana State University Press.