Kate Chopin brought up a taboo issue back in the day and seemed to agree with it, which stirred criticisms from the media. However, today the story of women infidelity is not as shocking anymore. I think that the story really marks an awakening in the history where women, previously constricted in a tedious marriage life and limiting social norms, were starting to become more independent, bold, and free to do one’s passions. Edna Pontellier’s character actually possesses many admirable qualities that many women would want to achieve: independent, somewhat rebellious, yet passionate and courageous. Her courageous step to break out of the stereotypes and the women expectations could make her seem like a hero or a role model for other women in that era, who were taught to be conformist and submissive. I feel that the ‘self-actualization’ that Edna experienced is still applicable today. Women can still relate to this experience and in various ways, which is probably one of the reasons why this book is a classic.
Question: What does committing suicide have to do with the awakening?
I totally agree with the fact that Edna's actions do not seem to be as significant if she were to live in our generation today. The fact that she took a step to break out of that mold shows the constraints that were in place for society and the importance of how people view others. Furthermore, the difficulty that Edna had to overcome to be a 'rebel' still did not happen because she was too weak to break through and break out of the social norms of women and their roles.
ReplyDeleteIn the end, Edna felt that the only way to free herself and to become wholly independent was to live the world and be herself in her own way, thus committing suicide to leave the place that refuses to allow her to be her own self, an individual women.