Arguably one of the first feminist novels, The Awakening allows students to explore the psychological complexities of the human mind as well as the structural complexities of gender as related to society.
The Awakening’s protagonist, Edna, introduces readers to the trials and tribulations of women at the end of the 19th century. At the time, women, especially, fell victim to rigid roles and stereotypes; they were expected to be passive, domestic, and pure. These trends, present in the novel, provide for a lesson about the progression of women and gender as portrayed in literature.
The desire to break free from expectations and restrictions is a concept just about anyone can relate to, which is why The Awakening is such a pertinent read. Edna’s struggle is present, real, and certainly worthy of an in-depth analysis in the classroom. Especially with its haunting conclusion, the novel is sure to provoke perceptive reflection and stay with students long after they leave the classroom.
The Awakening
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Summary of The Awakening
Key Facts
- Recommended Grade Band: 9 – 12
- Publication Date: 1899
- Length: 176 pages
- Lexile Measure: 960L
The Awakening follows Edna Pontellier on a vacation with her husband and children in Grand Isle, New Orleans. While on the trip, she embarks on several affairs that both awaken her sexuality and act as a catalyst to her desire for independence.
What Your Students Will Love About The Awakening
- That Chopin wrote about topics far ahead of her time
- The Awakening’s gorgeous imagery
Potential Student Struggles With The Awakening
- Edna’s suicide at the end of the novel
Literary Elements in The Awakening
- Imagery
- Irony
- Metaphor
- Symbolism
- Social Commentary
Major Themes in The Awakening
Identity — Author Kate Chopin tells a moving tale of Edna's identity crisis.
Related Works:
Femininity and/or Marriage — Through Edna’s experiences, the novel exposes the rigid roles women were expected to inhabit in the late 19th century. In The Awakening, marriage represents a barrier preventing people from obtaining real love.
Related Works:
Other Resources for The Awakening