The Awakening

Throughout Kate Chopin’s, The Awakening, numerous scenes of birth and renewal are depicted. Various symbols placed throughout the book show Edna Pontellier’s awakenings. For instance, many references are made to oceans and water. It is in the water that Edna has her first rebirth, but it is also the place where she chooses to die. Water symbolizes life, which is the reason that Edna’s renewal takes place there, but it also symbolizes …

…committing suicide, Edna escape! s from the clutches of her husband and children. Therefore, Edna’s death is considered a spiritual defeat. She realized she could not last in a world where she had to live up to society’s expectations of simply being a responsible mother and wife. Just as the injured bird fell to the ground, Edna fell because she lacked the strength to overcome all the obstacles in her way. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**