The Awakening LRB 3

A discussion of the title’s significance

            In literary works the title usually plays a crucial role in the understanding of the inner meaning of a novel. The title, The Awakening, by Kate Chopin first paints a mental picture for the reader of one of life or death. In this novel both of these are partially true. After reading of the novel, one can fully understand the deepest meaning Chopin is trying to convey and understand that the title represents the main character, Edna Pontellier. Overall the title plays the role of the different resurrections of Edna in the story and how she “awakens” at different points.

First, Edna has a form of awakening when she encounters Mademoiselle Reisz, which is really the only person who she can communicate with and understands her inner feelings. Mrs. Pontellier has an emotional outbreak when Reisz demonstrates her musical talent. This form of awakening in Edna depicts one theme of the novel, which is liberation. As the story continues Edna becomes more independent demonstrating another awakening, mostly after her learning to swim in the ocean. That symbolized her awakening of her independent nature, becoming more of a greater relevance as Edna begins to express herself through her artwork.

            There is another awakening which is more intimate, with her lover Robert. She is sexually awakened by Robert in every way despite being married, because she wants to be independent and not held down. She is attracted to Robert loose livelihood while she gets further and further from her husband.