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In the late 1800s and early 1900s, women found themselves trapped in a world dominated by oppressive societal norms and discrimination from men. These women were subjected to restrictive roles and stereotypes, with men holding prejudiced views about their capabilities. Women, often seen as mere property of men, had little control over their lives and were expected to conform to an idealized image dictated by society while catering to their husbands' desires. Despite simmering dissatisfaction, many women hesitated to voice their discontent.
However, in 1899, Kate Chopin penned "The Awakening," a novel that resonated with women, offering them a glimpse of hope and solidarity. Through this literary work, Chopin unflinchingly exposed the discriminatory treatment of women and the stifling constraints placed upon them. It vividly portrayed the profound dissatisfaction festering in the lives of women who yearned to break free from societal molds. "The Awakening" serves as a powerful illustration of how women rejected the roles society had assigned to them, striving for independence and self-fulfillment.
Edna Pontellier, the central character of "The Awakening," epitomizes the struggles faced by women of her time.
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Edna felt oppressed merely because she was a woman, and her role as a married woman and mother intensified this feeling of entrapment. The dynamics between Edna and her husband, Leonce, paint a stark picture of how men regarded women as possessions or commodities. Men displayed little respect for their wives, mothers, or even daughters, treating them as if they were household servants at their beck and call.
Even Edna's father viewed his daughter as her husband's property, a disheartening example of this degrading perspective. Her father goes so far as to advise Leonce, "You are far too lenient, too lenient by far, Leonce. Authority, coercion are what is needed. Put your foot down good and hard; the only way to manage a wife" (Chopin 663). Here, Edna's own father endorses a more authoritarian approach towards her from her husband. Chopin starkly exposes the gender inequality deeply rooted in society during that era. It is worth noting that such advice from a father to his son-in-law would be inconceivable in contemporary times.
Chopin further illustrates the extent of the injustice women faced when Edna's father suggests that her husband's leniency might have led to her mother's untimely demise. He remarks, "The colonel was perhaps unaware he had coerced his own wife into her grave" (Chopin 663). This poignant revelation underscores how societal expectations and gender roles could have dire consequences, robbing women of their agency and autonomy.
Edna's feelings of entrapment and oppression are encapsulated in her realization that she had become a mere automaton, trapped in the monotonous routine dictated by society. She reflects, "She would, through habit, have yielded to his desire; not with any sense of submission or obedience to his compelling wishes, but unthinkingly, as we...go through the daily treadmill of life which has been portioned out to us" (Chopin 631). This vividly portrays the suffocating regularity that characterized women's lives and the profound sense of confinement they must have experienced.
While Edna's experiences exemplify the suffocating societal norms, it is essential to recognize that not all women responded to these constraints in the same manner. Adele Ratignolle, portrayed as the embodiment of the ideal Creole "mother-woman," embraced her prescribed role with enthusiasm, embodying society's vision of the perfect woman—a vision Edna vehemently rejected.
Despite being a mother of two children, Edna resists conforming to the conventional motherly role. Mademoiselle Reisz offers another alternative for Edna. Although unmarried, Mademoiselle Reisz fits society's expectations as she is seen as being "under control." A stable woman who does not seek excitement and adventure, she is devoted to her music, a worthy cause in society's eyes. In contrast, Edna seeks independence and thrills, and her awakening fuels her quest for self-discovery.
Edna's actions, particularly in the context of "The Awakening," were undeniably self-centered. However, Kate Chopin employs Edna as a vehicle to convey a powerful message to women—that they need not adhere to society's norms. Chopin encourages women to explore their independence and sexuality, challenging the predefined roles that society had imposed upon them. Chopin's narrative underscores that women should have the autonomy to choose their partners based on their own sexual desires, rather than solely for social status or wealth, as was common during that period. Edna's willingness to sacrifice her security, a highly prized commodity in her time, to pursue her sexual desires is a testament to her rejection of societal expectations.
Men of that era could hardly fathom the idea that women possessed sexual desires akin to their own or the notion of seeking independence. Men, blinded by their prejudices, regarded women as intellectually inferior and incapable of self-reliance. However, when they eventually grasped the idea that women could indeed be independent and thrive without men, they felt threatened. They dismissed these radical ideas as mere phases. In a conversation between Leonce and Doctor Mandelet, the doctor conveys this dismissive attitude when he says, "It would require an inspired psychologist to deal successfully with [her]. In addition, when ordinary fellows like you and me attempt to cope with their idiosyncrasies, the result is bungling. Most women are moody and whimsical. This is some passing whim of your wife, due to some cause or causes which you and I needn't try to fathom. But it will pass happily over, especially if you let her alone" (Chopin 659). The doctor's dismissal of Edna's ideas solely because of her gender exemplifies the deeply ingrained sexism of the era. Similarly, Leonce comments, "She's got some sort of notion in her head concerning the eternal rights of women" (Chopin 658), revealing that he, on some level, understands Edna's desires but is too obstinate to acknowledge their legitimacy. He fails to comprehend that women, like men, possess thoughts and desires.
Although Edna's actions may appear selfish, Kate Chopin employed her character to inspire other women to reject societal norms. Through Edna's experiences, Chopin encouraged women to seek independence and to challenge the roles society had assigned to them. While Edna's awakening ultimately led to her tragic suicide, it did not diminish the significance of her rebellion. Instead, her actions served as a beacon, illuminating the path towards female liberation. Edna's profound message was that women should not be bound by society's expectations; they should be free to pursue their desires and dreams.
"The Awakening" by Kate Chopin serves as a powerful narrative that unveils the harsh realities of the late 1800s and early 1900s, when women were stifled by societal norms and male-dominated paradigms. Through the character of Edna Pontellier, Chopin highlights the discrimination, oppression, and dissatisfaction that women experienced during this period. Edna's journey toward self-discovery and independence mirrors the struggles faced by countless women of her time.
The societal oppression of women is vividly portrayed through Edna's tumultuous relationship with her husband, Leonce. Men of that era regarded women as property, and their actions reflected this degrading perspective. Women were expected to conform to predefined roles and surrender their identities to fulfill the demands of their husbands and families. Chopin's portrayal of Edna's father advising Leonce to be firmer with his wife underscores the lack of autonomy and respect that women endured. It also highlights how women were often perceived as incapable of making decisions for themselves.
Edna Pontellier's awakening serves as a catalyst for her quest for independence. While society may have expected her to embrace the conventional roles of mother and wife, Edna sought to break free from these constraints. Her actions, though seen as selfish, were, in reality, a rebellion against a society that sought to confine her to prescribed roles. Edna's willingness to sacrifice security for the pursuit of her sexual desires and independence was a clear rejection of societal norms.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that not all women responded to societal constraints in the same manner. Adele Ratignolle, the embodiment of the "mother-woman" ideal, accepted her role with enthusiasm. Mademoiselle Reisz, while not conforming to conventional norms, still adhered to societal expectations in her own way. Edna, in contrast, sought excitement and independence, challenging the traditional roles women were expected to embrace.
The dismissive attitudes of men, as portrayed in the novel, underscore the deeply entrenched sexism of the era. Men struggled to accept the idea that women could possess desires and aspirations beyond the roles society had assigned to them. Edna's awakening posed a threat to the established order, leading men to dismiss her desires as fleeting whims. They failed to comprehend that women, like men, had thoughts, desires, and a yearning for independence.
Despite the tragic outcome of Edna's awakening, her impact on women cannot be understated. Chopin used her character to inspire other women to question societal norms and seek independence. Edna's rebellion against the roles imposed upon her by society served as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward female liberation. Her message was clear: women should not be confined by societal expectations; they should be free to pursue their desires, aspirations, and dreams.
The Awakening: A Break from Societal Constraints. (2021, Dec 13). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/an-analysis-of-female-discrimination-in-the-awakening-by-kate-chopin-essay
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