The Symbolism of The Sea in Kate Chopin's Works

The sea, with its endless horizons and limitless possibilities, stands as a symbol of freedom in Kate Chopin's writings. Take "The Awakening," for instance. Edna Pontellier, the main character, is drawn to the sea like a magnet. There's a line that goes, "The voice of the sea is seductive; never ceasing, whispering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander for a spell in abysses of solitude" (Chopin, 1899, p. 15). That says a lot about her urge to break free from society's rules and find out who she really is. The sea gives her a peek into a world where she can be herself, away from marriage and motherhood pressures.

But wait, there's more! The sea doesn't just stand for freedom. It also symbolizes change in Chopin's stories. In "The Storm," the sea plays a big part in how Calixta discovers herself. As the storm rolls in and the sea gets wild, Calixta changes completely. She's described as "an impervious goddess of the storm" (Chopin, 1898, p. 5). This suggests that the sea gives her strength to shake off what society expects and follow her own desires. Through this symbol, Chopin shows us how powerful change can be when you're faced with challenges.

And don't forget rebellion! In "The Awakening," Edna's fascination with the sea mirrors her fight against being boxed into her roles as wife and mother. She dives deeper into the ocean as if she's diving deeper into herself and begins to put herself first. The sea pushes Edna to rebel against societal norms and carve out her own way in life. By using this symbolism, Chopin invites readers to question those old-school rules that try to limit personal freedom.

Diving Deeper into Chopin’s Symbolism

In Kate Chopin's stories, the sea pops up as this super powerful symbol for freedom, change, and going against what society tells you to do. Using this symbolism lets Chopin dig deep into human struggles for individuality. The sea becomes like an escape hatch from societal chains—it's where characters discover their true selves and push back on traditional expectations.

Thinking about the symbolism of the sea in Chopin's works offers readers insights into both struggles and victories of characters seeking growth and liberation. At its core, the sea represents our human desire for freedom and authenticity—a prompt for readers to reflect on their own lives and maybe even challenge structures holding them back.

References

• Chopin, K. (1898). The Storm.
• Chopin, K. (1899). The Awakening.
• Toth, E., & Seyersted, P. (1980). Kate Chopin: A Re-Awakening. LSU Press.
• Culley, M., ed. (1976). The Awakening: An Authoritative Text Biographical and Historical Contexts Criticism. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Seyersted, P., ed. (1969). The Complete Works of Kate Chopin. Louisiana State University Press.