1)Introduction
“It is not good that the man should be alone” People all over the world are given in to marriage. But for what do people enter into this covenant? Men are social beings and need each other for love and companionship. Marriage is one of the closest unions and intimate relationships among humans. For this very reason it is of the utmost importance that the couple builds a relationship which is founded on deep affection, respect and trust. Prerequisite for this mutually beneficial marriage tie is the idea of equality of both men and women. Back in the time, women were not always seen as equal to men. On the contrary they were seen solely as objects, who were supposed to quietly submit to their husband in every aspect of life. To our time, this would clearly speak against human rights, which declares everyone to be born equal, with dignity and rights. Though even in the past, the somewhat innate consciousness of these rights caused oppressed women to speak up and not to remain silent. This sense of justice not rarely caused individual women to be confronted with seemingly insurmountable obstacles that society placed in their way, offering only death to escape. Edna Pontellier, the protagonist of the novel “The Awakening” by Kate Chopin, was such a women caught up in her role as wife and mother but awakened to the realities of a male dominated culture that would counteract her self-definition and made self-denial a prerequisite for marriage. The purpose of the first chapter will be to examine the early stage of Edna in her marriage when she overlooked her husband’s inadequacies and lived the submissive life given to her by the Victorian society of the 19th century as property of her spouse. This is followed by Edna’s alienation from the patriarchic society, when she rebels against Léonce as the head of the family and the common mindset of the people of her time. Furthermore it will be examined which consequences this liberation from a male dominated environment in a marriage entailed. Special attention will be given to Edna’s financial independence as well as her self-determined authority over her own life. Last but not least, the analysis will end with a brief summary and a conclusion.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Unconsciousness of her state in marriage
- 2.1. Submission to her husband
- 2.2. Ignoring his inadequacies
- 3. Edna's new self awakens
- 3.1. Disobedience in marriage
- 3.2. Non-conformity to social norms
- 4. Living an independent life
- 4.1. Financial independence
- 4.2. Ownership of her life
Objectives and Key Themes
This analysis examines Edna Pontellier's journey of self-discovery within the constraints of a 19th-century patriarchal society. It explores her initial submission to societal expectations and her husband, Léonce, followed by her awakening and subsequent rebellion. The study investigates the consequences of this rebellion, focusing on her pursuit of financial independence and self-determination.
- The role of societal expectations on women in the 19th century
- The complexities of marriage and the limitations imposed on women
- Edna's journey of self-discovery and rebellion
- The pursuit of financial independence and self-determination
- The consequences of defying societal norms
Chapter Summaries
2. Unconsciousness of her state in marriage: This chapter delves into Edna's early marital life, characterized by her unconscious submission to her husband and the societal expectations placed upon women in the 19th century. Edna initially conforms to the ideal of the "angel in the house," fulfilling her domestic duties and overlooking Léonce's emotional shortcomings. This conformity, however, stems from a societal pressure to maintain her status and avoid social exclusion. The chapter highlights the contrast between Edna's internal desires and her outward compliance, setting the stage for her later awakening. Her early acceptance of her role, though outwardly compliant, subtly hints at a pre-existing discontent.
3. Edna's new self awakens: This section marks a turning point in Edna's life, as she begins to question and defy the constraints of her marriage and the expectations of Victorian society. This chapter explores the various ways in which Edna disobeys her husband and challenges social norms. Her actions range from small acts of defiance to increasingly bolder steps towards independence. The growing awareness of her own desires and the incompatibility between those desires and her prescribed role as wife and mother is the focal point. It sets the stage for her subsequent pursuit of self-determination.
4. Living an independent life: This chapter analyzes Edna's pursuit of autonomy and self-definition beyond the confines of her marriage. It focuses on her efforts towards financial independence and her claim to ownership of her life. This chapter examines the practical and emotional steps Edna takes toward self-sufficiency, showing how this independence isn't merely about financial security but about creating personal agency and defining her own identity. This independence is a direct consequence of the awakening described in the previous chapter, further highlighting the consequences of her rebellion against the expectations of Victorian society.
Keywords
Marriage, societal expectations, women's roles, 19th-century society, self-discovery, rebellion, independence, self-determination, female identity, patriarchal society.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Edna Pontellier's Journey
What is the main focus of this analysis?
This analysis examines Edna Pontellier's journey of self-discovery within the constraints of a 19th-century patriarchal society. It explores her transition from submission to societal expectations and her husband to her awakening and subsequent rebellion, focusing on her pursuit of financial independence and self-determination.
What are the key themes explored in this analysis?
Key themes include the role of societal expectations on women in the 19th century, the complexities of marriage and its limitations on women, Edna's journey of self-discovery and rebellion, the pursuit of financial independence and self-determination, and the consequences of defying societal norms.
What is the structure of the analysis?
The analysis is structured around four main chapters: 1. Introduction; 2. Unconsciousness of her state in marriage; 3. Edna's new self awakens; and 4. Living an independent life. Each chapter is summarized, outlining key events and developments in Edna's journey.
What are the key events in Chapter 2 ("Unconsciousness of her state in marriage")?
Chapter 2 delves into Edna's early marital life, showing her unconscious submission to her husband and societal expectations. It highlights her initial conformity to the ideal of the "angel in the house," while subtly hinting at underlying discontent.
What is the significance of Chapter 3 ("Edna's new self awakens")?
Chapter 3 marks a turning point, as Edna begins to question and defy the constraints of her marriage and societal expectations. It explores her acts of disobedience and challenges to social norms, focusing on her growing awareness of her own desires and their incompatibility with her prescribed role.
What happens in Chapter 4 ("Living an independent life")?
Chapter 4 analyzes Edna's pursuit of autonomy and self-definition. It focuses on her efforts towards financial independence and her claim to ownership of her life, emphasizing how this independence is about personal agency and defining her own identity.
What are the keywords associated with this analysis?
Keywords include: Marriage, societal expectations, women's roles, 19th-century society, self-discovery, rebellion, independence, self-determination, female identity, and patriarchal society.
What is the overall objective of this analysis?
The overall objective is to provide a comprehensive analysis of Edna Pontellier's journey, examining her evolving self-awareness and her resistance against the oppressive societal structures of her time.
What type of audience is this analysis intended for?
This analysis is intended for academic use, supporting structured and professional analysis of themes related to Edna Pontellier's character and experiences.
- Quote paper
- Susanne Wrobel (Author), 2012, "The Awakening" - Edna's awakening on her marriage, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/190405
