Warning: Use of undefined constant referer - assumed 'referer' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /usr/home/essaywo/public_html/essays on line 102

Warning: Use of undefined constant host - assumed 'host' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /usr/home/essaywo/public_html/essays on line 105

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /usr/home/essaywo/public_html/essays:102) in /usr/home/essaywo/public_html/essays on line 106

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /usr/home/essaywo/public_html/essays:102) in /usr/home/essaywo/public_html/essays on line 109
The Awakening - Online Term Paper

The Awakening

, written by Kate Chopin, tells the story of a woman, Edna Pontellier, who transforms herself from an obedient housewife to a person who is alive with strength of character and emotions which she no longer has to repress. This metamorphosis is shaped by her surroundings. Just as her behavior is more shocking and horrifying because of her position in society, it is that very position which causes her to feel restrained and makes her yearn to rebel. Edna’s yearning to rebel prevails, though many characters have contributing factor to Edna’s rebellion. Mainly the women, to which she looks upon as role models; not that she emulates one particular woman, rather that she takes a little of each ...

Want to read the rest of this paper?
Join Essayworld today to view this entire essay
and over 50,000 other term papers

her children, Edna is "fond of her children in an uneven, impulsive way" (Chopin, p. 18). They are not enough to justify her life.
Adele could not understand how Edna could say that she "would never sacrifice herself for her children, or for anyone" (Chopin, p. 47). Edna's being is taking on a new importance in her life. She is starting to realize just how important it is to be true to herself. She has never done that before. She went along with the way things were supposed to be, holding her socials and tending to her house until she became aware that she needs more from her life. It is Adele that seems to be the positive role model for Edna. In the earlier quote, when Adele is not understanding the inability of Edna to sacrifice for her children, that makes Edna step out and re-examine herself. This whole time she has just been doing what was expected of her, and yet she was still being neglectful.
The person whom Edna truly admires is Mademoiselle Reiz, who is a brilliant ...

Get instant access to over 50,000 essays.
Write better papers. Get better grades.

Already a member? Login

CITE THIS PAGE:

APA
MLA
Chicago
Turabian

The Awakening. (2007, February 16). Retrieved January 6, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Awakening/60393

"The Awakening." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 16 Feb. 2007. Web. 6 Jan. 2026. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Awakening/60393>

"The Awakening." Essayworld.com. February 16, 2007. Accessed January 6, 2026. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Awakening/60393.

JOIN NOW

Join today and get instant access to this and 50,000+ other essays

PAPER DETAILS

Added: 2/16/2007 12:06:34 PM
Category: Book Reports
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 1083
Pages: 4

Save |

Report

SHARE THIS PAPER

SAVED ESSAYS

Save and find your favorite essays easier