In this research paper I will analyse the main character of Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, Edna Pontellier, and discuss reasons for her suicide. Edna step by step relieves herself from the obligations of her surrounding and undergoes a development that leads to new strength and independence. However, Edna never succeeds in reaching full individuality and goes the only possible way: she commits suicide. The novel gives several hints that lead to the conclusion that Edna’s suicide is an act of liberalization. Edna is surrounded by a society she cannot identify with and does not want to be part of. The role of the woman in the 19 th century was clearly limited to being a mother and wife. Edna does not feel satisfied with this life, as she desires to make her own rules and decisions. During her awakening, she brakes free from the social conventions and tries to lead an independent life. Yet although Edna begins to be independent, the only way she can complete her intention is to commit suicide.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Edna's Suicide: An Act of Liberation
- The Creole Society and Edna's Alienation
- Edna's Marriage and the Development of Selfhood
- Edna's Relationship with Robert Lebrun
- Edna's Awakening as an Erotic Being and Independent Individual
- Edna's Relationships with Madame Ratignolle and Mademoiselle Reisz
Objectives and Key Themes
This research paper analyzes the protagonist Edna Pontellier in Kate Chopin's The Awakening, exploring the reasons behind her suicide. The paper examines Edna's journey of self-discovery and her struggle against societal expectations of 19th-century womanhood. It investigates the various factors contributing to her final decision, arguing that her suicide represents an act of liberation from restrictive social norms and personal constraints.
- The restrictive nature of 19th-century societal expectations on women.
- Edna's struggle for self-discovery and independence.
- The conflict between motherhood and individual identity.
- The complexities of Edna's relationships with men and women in her social circle.
- The symbolic interpretation of Edna's suicide as an act of liberation.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section lays out the research paper's central focus: analyzing Edna Pontellier's character and the reasons behind her suicide in Kate Chopin's The Awakening. It establishes that Edna's suicide is framed as an act of liberation from societal constraints and the restrictive role of women in the 19th century. The introduction highlights Edna's journey toward independence and her ultimate inability to reconcile societal expectations with her desire for selfhood.
Edna's Suicide: An Act of Liberation: This section delves into the interpretation of Edna's suicide as an act of liberation. It emphasizes Edna's growing dissatisfaction with the limited role prescribed to women in the 19th century – that of wife and mother. The chapter explores Edna's gradual rejection of societal expectations, her attempts to gain independence, and her ultimate inability to find a path toward fulfilling selfhood within the confines of her social environment. Her suicide is presented as a tragic, yet defiant, act of escaping the societal pressures she can no longer bear.
The Creole Society and Edna's Alienation: This chapter explores the Creole society depicted in the novel and Edna's position within it. It portrays the Creole community as a seemingly close-knit "family," yet Edna feels like an outsider due to her Presbyterian background. The chapter analyzes how Edna's growing awareness of her own desires and aspirations distances her further from this society, highlighting the lack of understanding and acceptance she encounters as she seeks personal freedom.
Edna's Marriage and the Development of Selfhood: This section examines Edna's marriage to Léonce Pontellier and its impact on her self-discovery. It argues that Edna's marriage was partly a societal necessity, a means of escaping her parents' home and the limitations placed on unmarried women. The chapter traces Edna's gradual realization that Léonce treats her as an object rather than an individual, detailing instances where she begins to assert her independence. The pivotal event of Edna moving into the "pigeon house" is analyzed as a significant step towards achieving financial and emotional independence.
Edna's Relationship with Robert Lebrun: This chapter focuses on Edna's relationship with Robert Lebrun, exploring its role in her emotional and personal growth. While Robert initially appears to understand Edna's desires, the chapter reveals that his adherence to societal norms ultimately leads to disappointment for Edna. It highlights the limitations of their relationship within the context of the social constraints faced by women at that time and shows how Robert's inability to free her from her situation contributes to Edna's disillusionment.
Edna's Awakening as an Erotic Being and Independent Individual: This section analyses Edna's awakening as both an erotic being and an independent individual. It explores her affair with Alcée Arobin, emphasizing that it represents Edna's exploration of her own sexual desires and her differentiation between love and physical intimacy. This chapter emphasizes Edna's defiance of societal expectations surrounding female sexuality and her pursuit of her own desires.
Edna's Relationships with Madame Ratignolle and Mademoiselle Reisz: This chapter examines Edna's relationships with Madame Ratignolle and Mademoiselle Reisz, contrasting her own path with their different approaches to womanhood. Madame Ratignolle embodies the ideal 19th-century woman, happily fulfilling the roles of wife and mother. Mademoiselle Reisz, on the other hand, is an independent artist, defying societal expectations. The chapter analyzes how Edna's interactions with both women shape her understanding of herself and her choices, ultimately highlighting the path Edna chooses in contrast to both women.
Keywords
Kate Chopin, The Awakening, Edna Pontellier, 19th-century womanhood, societal expectations, female identity, motherhood, independence, suicide, liberation, Creole society, alienation, selfhood, romantic relationships, sexual awakening.
Kate Chopin's *The Awakening*: A Research Paper Preview - FAQ
What is the main focus of this research paper?
The research paper analyzes the character of Edna Pontellier in Kate Chopin's The Awakening, focusing on the reasons behind her suicide. It argues that her suicide is an act of liberation from restrictive societal norms and personal constraints.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the restrictive nature of 19th-century societal expectations on women, Edna's struggle for self-discovery and independence, the conflict between motherhood and individual identity, the complexities of Edna's relationships, and the symbolic interpretation of her suicide.
What is the chapter breakdown of the paper?
The paper includes an introduction outlining its focus. Subsequent chapters delve into Edna's suicide as an act of liberation, the Creole society and Edna's alienation within it, Edna's marriage and its impact on her selfhood, her relationship with Robert Lebrun, her awakening as an erotic being and independent individual, and finally, her relationships with Madame Ratignolle and Mademoiselle Reisz, contrasting different approaches to womanhood.
How is Edna's suicide interpreted?
Edna's suicide is interpreted as a tragic yet defiant act of liberation from the unbearable societal pressures and constraints placed upon women in the 19th century. It represents her inability to reconcile societal expectations with her desire for selfhood.
What role does Edna's marriage play in the narrative?
Edna's marriage to Léonce Pontellier is examined as a societal necessity initially, but it ultimately contributes to her growing dissatisfaction and her quest for independence. Léonce's treatment of Edna as an object rather than an individual fuels her desire for self-discovery and personal freedom.
How does Edna's relationship with Robert Lebrun impact her?
Edna's relationship with Robert Lebrun is explored as a significant factor in her emotional and personal growth. However, Robert's adherence to societal norms ultimately leads to disappointment for Edna, contributing to her disillusionment.
What is the significance of Edna's relationships with Madame Ratignolle and Mademoiselle Reisz?
Edna's relationships with Madame Ratignolle (who embodies the ideal 19th-century woman) and Mademoiselle Reisz (an independent artist) are contrasted to highlight different paths to womanhood and to showcase how these relationships shape Edna's understanding of herself and her choices.
What are the key words associated with this research paper?
Key words include Kate Chopin, The Awakening, Edna Pontellier, 19th-century womanhood, societal expectations, female identity, motherhood, independence, suicide, liberation, Creole society, alienation, selfhood, romantic relationships, and sexual awakening.
- Quote paper
- Nicola Dürr (Author), 2003, Kate Chopin: The Awakening - Edna´s suicide: The Awakening to inner freedom, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/23899
