Questions About The Awakening

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Answered Questions (11)

Trey Yes and no. While the book explores themes of self-discovery, independence, and the role of women in society it is also critical of irrational action …moreYes and no. While the book explores themes of self-discovery, independence, and the role of women in society it is also critical of irrational action and abandoning family. It depends on the reader and the lens the book itself is viewed through.

It is lauded by some students and teachers (and commentators) as a feminist masterpiece. Others would pin it as satire or a critique of feminism. Regardless, it's an interesting story. Chopin is no Chekhov, but it's pretty entertaining and makes one think.(less)

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What do you think the two lovers and the lady in black represent in the story?

Susan Coffey to paraphrase sparknotes, the "lady in black" represents widowhood, Edna is longing for independence and freedom, in Victorian times becoming a widow …moreto paraphrase sparknotes, the "lady in black" represents widowhood, Edna is longing for independence and freedom, in Victorian times becoming a widow was the only socially acceptable way of gaining independence via freedom from marriage. "The lovers" represent Edna and Robert and the life they may have had if circumstances were different, the lady in black is juxtaposed with "the lovers" to implicate an inevitable failure of the relationship.(less)

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I found the writing splendid, very sensual but kept wondering "to what is she awakening?" On learning the publication date (1899) & the cultural mores of New Orleans of the era, the light dawned. I thank my lucky stars for women like Kate Chopin with the courage to point out society's impact on us at a time when motherhood, duty and subservience were all women should aspire to. She never wrote another novel.

Yoana It says in the book that she's awakening to her own self, stripped of social layers of duty and gender roles. She gets to know who she is underneath a…moreIt says in the book that she's awakening to her own self, stripped of social layers of duty and gender roles. She gets to know who she is underneath all that, what her heart desires, what makes her excited, what makes her dream, etc. (less)

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I always wonder why did Edna decide to take her life though she found her personal freedom ?

Jessica Because the freedom wouldn't last. Eventually her husband would come home and demand that all things reverse to the way they used to and Edna would be…moreBecause the freedom wouldn't last. Eventually her husband would come home and demand that all things reverse to the way they used to and Edna would be forced back into the role of wife and mother again. (less)

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Would you consider this book a classic?

Lorna Fraser I think' The Awakening' is a classic of Feminist literature, where such an 'awakened' woman, is inevitably broken on the wheel of her society's norms.…moreI think' The Awakening' is a classic of Feminist literature, where such an 'awakened' woman, is inevitably broken on the wheel of her society's norms. (less)

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