The Awakening: Feminist Rebirth

Sometimes it isn't always easy to discern your own situation. Many times it is easy to forget what we're living in and the world around us if we're never forced to struggle. This story is not uncommon one; some women go through their lives seemingly half asleep, surrounded by luxury and empty experiences. This is the story of Edna Pontellier, a woman who should not be considered an every woman, but is. Her life became a literal wake up call to women everywhere. Through Kate Chopin's mastery of language and imagery, we can learn from Edna's experiences.

Edna's life was that of all women of her status at that time. She had no say in anything of importance. She was trained not to use her own mind, and taught to be a baby maker, housewife, and beautiful object. What's worse, women of her status had others to take care of the children and home, so even the duties assigned to her by society were effectually taken away. She had literally nothing to do all day. To amuse herself, she might go swimming or meet someone for lunch, but nothing was ever fulfilling. She was clearly unhappy with the life she was living, and would cry for hours for no particular reason. "The tears came so fast to Mrs. Pontellier's eyes that the damp sleeve of her peignoir no longer served to dry them." (Chopin, 27)

Through clever language and commentary, Chopin guides us through the process that Edna is experiencing. Words and descriptions such as "luminous", "wakeful", and the continual use of a child-like sense of wonder in describing Edna show us her rebirth into the world of soulful intellect.