The Awakening

The Awakening is one of the famous literary works of the nineteenth century by American author Kate Chopin. She started writing the novel in 1897 and completed it in 1898, and later in the following year it was published (1899). There was a mix reaction among the readers about the novel. In fact it was one of the few novels during that time that raised the issue of feminism.  

It is indeed surprising that around a century and a few decades ago how the writer was motivated to foresee the fact of women’s empowerment and the desire to uplift their value which was quite an unknown phenomenon back then. Edna Pontellier, who is the protagonist of the novel, was shown from a different preview by the author. The desire of Edna to expand her thoughts beyond the usual social practice and let herself enjoy life from her own perspective, was one of the reasons that brought about immense difficulties in kate Chopin’s life later on. She was restricted to publish any other literary work by the male dominated society until her death.  It is believed that Kate Chopin’s, despite being the author of nineteenth century, when it was a patriarchal society and where women merely had freedom to spread or express their desire,  possessed ‘way to beyond modern consideration’ about women empowerment which promted her to shape a classic novel like The Awakening.

Edna’s growing anxiety about the social restrictions and her logging to feel the love of Robert, despite being a married woman, quite vividly shade light upon by the author. Edna was in a state of mind when things were uncertain to her; she was in a jigsaw, whether to go back to her children or to listen to her mind, which motivated her to go to Robert ignoring all social barriers. Even thou, her love for Robert was as pure as for her family but she was not sure about the intention of Robert. The anxiety whether to stay with her family or Robert, gradually engulfed her by frustration and led her towards an uncertain and vague future.

The novel is a classic work, where there is a sheer amalgamation of heartwarming language and realistic fact that depicted the contemporary social scenario to the readers. The use of language in the novel not only lucid but linguistically it is rich and soothing. The author delineated the scenes so real through her writing that the readers can easily visualize the happenings mentioned in the novel while reading it.

Above all, she has given importance to the desire of Edna, which might appear immoral to many, nonetheless from the modern perspective where gender equality is given utmost importance, it can definitely be evaluated that kate Chopin’s quite righteously patronized the fundamental rights of women in her work. It is needless to say that as a literary work, ‘The Awakening’ shall always occupy the forefront of English literature.