https://doi.org/10.25167/fj.5885
This paper explores the psychological development of the protagonist in Kate Chopin’s (1850 – 1904) novella, The Awakening (1899), examining how her awakenings are influenced by societal ideology, individuality, geography, and music. Set on Grand Isle, a symbolic and physical space of temporary freedom, Edna Pontellier’s experiences challenge the traditional gender ideology of the late 19th century. Through close textual analysis, this study scrutinizes how the environment of the resort, artistic and interpersonal influences (including the sea, music, and interactions with other characters) catalyze her escalating awareness of the disparity between societal norms and individuality. Her awakenings not only mark a transformation from conformity to self-expression but also intensify her isolation, leading to her tragic end. Published at the turn of the century, The Awakening reflects tensions of the nineteenth-century feminist ideology, which advocated women’s participation in public and political life while still negotiating conventional domestic ideals. Through Edna’s pursuit of individuality beyond her roles as wife and mother, Chopin engages with nineteenth-century feminist debates while exposing the psychological costs of a social norm that leaves little to no room for female individuality. By foreshadowing the feminist transformations at the turn of the century and revealing the arduous process of challenging entrenched gender norms. Chopin is perceived as a forerunner of later feminist thought.
Download files
Citation rules
Licence
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
English
Język Polski