Introduction

The Awakening was written by Kate Chopin and published in 1899. It is set in nineteenth-century New Orleans, Louisiana. Kate Chopin, also the author of the short story "The Story of an Hour," was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1851. Chopin drew from personal experience to write The Awakening; at the age of 20 she married, by the time she was 29 she had already given birth to six children, and she eventually became submerged in the Creole culture of New Orleans. The novel, which centered around Edna Pontellier and her inability to accept the motherly and wifely duties she was expected to have, was a social commentary on the role of women in an oppressive society. The Awakening became a staple in the world of literary feminism.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Analysis: Chapter 36

In Chapter 36, the following is stated by Robert Lebrun:

"'No; I only think you cruel, as I said the other day. Maybe not intentionally cruel, but you seem to be forcing me into disclosures which can result in nothing; as if you would have me bare a wound for the pleasure of looking at it, without the intention or power of healing it.'"

Robert was well aware of the dead end that a relationship between he and Edna would reach. She, however, still delusionally believed that a relationship was possible. As a married woman with children, her husband would never allow her to leave and abandon her responsibilities, which was hinted at by Robert's mentioning of the fact that she did not possess the "power" to make such a decision in their Creole society. Her husband's quick home makeover manuever to perserve his name and stability in his home and family provided a glimpse into his inability to let her go and the opposition her desired freedom faced. Robert wanted something he couldn't have and had learned to carefully avoid the object of his affection. He hated Edna's selfishness, the fact that he loved her, and her inability to let him go and thus allow him to get over her.

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