The Awakening: Edna's Suicide

Suicide: The Final Surrender What is suicide? Webster defines suicide as, “The act of taking one’s own life voluntarily and intentionally” (1156). Throughout The Awakening, by Kate Chopin, the main character Edna Pontellier struggles vigorously to escape the shackles of society. With the final realization that she will never be entirely free, Edna takes her life. Some may view Edna’s death as her final victory as she breaks the restraints of society. However, considering …

…loses what little is left of her mind (731). Edna recalls “(She) walks down to the beach rather mechanically, not noticing anything special except that the sun was hot. She was not dwelling upon any particular train of thought" (731). Despondent, Edna surrenders to her depression and plunges into the fateful ocean. Suffering from depression, which is heightened by losing the love of her life, Edna takes her life “voluntarily and intentionally” (Webster 1156). Edna Pontellier commits suicide.