The Awakening

The Awakening by Kate Chopin is about a young woman, named Edna Pontellier, who realizes her trapped state in society and who slowly awakens to a new freedom of self expression, sexuality, and self confidence. She so craves her freedom, that she is willing to do anything to get it, no matter what it may cost her. Chopin's use of symbolism demonstrates Edna's escape from her trapped state to freedom and independence. The author starts …

…did not look back now, but went on and on...the shore was far behind her and her strength was gone. She looked into the distance, and the old terror flamed up for an instant, then sank again" (558). This last scene symbolizes Edna giving up her life for her freedom. She goes back to where she first got some independence and pushes aside the chains that held her captive and dies, living solely for herself.