The Awakening by Chopin introduces major themes in the opening scene.

The significant themes of Chopin's The Awakening are introduced immediately in the opening scene of the bird in the cage. Edna feels trapped in the small realm of her home, as the bird is trapped in its cage. A major theme of the novel, liberation verses conformity is introduced because although Edna struggles if she is liberated, she is really like the bird because she doesn't have a choice. Society makes the choice for her. …

…the society in which they live. Men in the novel insist Edna and other women to complete their duties while denying their own thoughts. The bird in the cage sets the stage for the important themes portrayed in The Awakening. The themes introduced are Edna's belief that she is trapped, liberation verses conformity, and the depiction of men in the novel. The bird trapped in its cage parallels Edna, who is trapped in society's cage.