Over many years, women were less privileged than men and therefore had to fight for their rights. Emancipation is not something that was achieved within days, weeks or months: women had a long way to go to set themselves free, but what led them actually to that point? Was it the desire to equality or the wish to fulfil their dreams? Was it even out of suppression?
Kate Chopin’s famous novel The Awakening deals exactly with that topic and tells the story of Mrs. Pontellier who managed to emancipate herself from the society she was living in. The following text is going to focus on the influences and circumstances that reinforced her decision to become an independent and confident woman and tries to find answers on what leads to emancipation in general.
I would like to show that emancipation is a process and no knee-jerk reaction. In fact, it is a complex decision, influenced by various factors. At first, I am going to describe the initial situation of Mrs. Pontellier and try to find out the main reasons for her wish to leave her old life behind. Afterwards, I am going to illustrate her new life and finally, I am going to compare it in contrast to her old one, as I would like to present how much she has changed throughout the novel and if she succeeded in her plans.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The old life of Edna Pontellier
- Family life
- Private & Social life
- Breakthrough
- Influences
- The new life of Edna Pontellier
- Family life
- Private & Social life
- The past returns
- The old life vs. The new life of Edna Pontellier
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This text aims to analyze the role of emancipation in Kate Chopin's novel "The Awakening" by exploring the influences and circumstances that led Edna Pontellier to become an independent and confident woman. The text aims to present emancipation as a process, a complex decision influenced by various factors.
- The portrayal of female emancipation in the context of 19th-century society
- The impact of societal expectations and gender roles on individual identity
- The significance of personal relationships and their influence on self-discovery
- The complexities of female desire and the struggle for self-fulfillment
- The consequences of breaking societal norms and pursuing personal freedom
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter delves into Edna Pontellier's "old life," revealing her dissatisfaction with her role as a wife and mother within a restrictive societal framework. Her husband's self-centeredness and the societal expectations placed upon her create a sense of oppression and a yearning for personal fulfillment.
The second chapter shifts focus to Edna's social life, where she struggles to find her place within the creole society. Her connection with Robert Lebrun, who makes her feel valued and loved, marks a turning point. It awakens her desires and challenges her perception of the world.
The third chapter examines Edna's breakthrough as she begins to break free from the constraints of her old life. Robert's departure for Mexico, though devastating, serves as a catalyst for Edna's self-discovery. She realizes her potential for self-fulfillment and decides to pursue her own dreams, leaving behind her husband and the life she once knew.
The fourth chapter focuses on the influences that shaped Edna's decision to emancipate herself. Her husband's neglect and the societal pressure she faced contributed to her discontent. Robert's presence provided a sense of love and understanding, illuminating a different path for her.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The central themes of the text revolve around female emancipation, societal expectations, personal identity, self-discovery, and the complexities of female desire. It explores the challenges faced by women seeking freedom in a patriarchal society and the consequences of defying societal norms. Key concepts include the role of relationships in individual growth, the pursuit of self-fulfillment, and the tension between personal aspirations and societal expectations.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2019, The Role of Emancipation in Kate Chopin's "The Awakening", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1289048
