Universal Values in "The Awakening"

Within any given literary work lie numerous factors, all of which can have an affect on the plot. However, perhaps what has the most impact on a novel's plot, or even the story as a whole, are the "universal values" or themes, which can be found in such novel. In the same way that a novel possesses a unique story, so does it posses unique themes and values. Some written works may focus on the struggle of good versus evil, some may be based on the consequences of life, and some, such as The Awakening, by Kate Chopin, find their values in the quest for independence and self discovery that we must all undertake at some point in our lives.

In The Awakening, Chapin uses the idea of independence as a universal value of her work. Through the course of the novel, the reader witnesses Edna Pontellier's transition from a docile and content mother and wife to a completely independent woman. It is very interesting to compare Mrs. Pontellier's attitude towards life in general at the beginning of the novel, and then again towards the end, after her "awakening". Note that in the beginning chapters of the novel, Mrs. Pontellier admits that she cannot comprehend the "freedom of expression" which some of the Creole women seem to posses. Also mentioned is the fact that the Creole women's entire absence of prudery was "impressive" and "distinct" from Mrs. Pontellier's view of how a woman should behave socially. However, even in the early phases of the novel, one can see Mrs. Pontellier's steady progression towards embracing new ideals and her eventual embodiment of independence.