Book Review: The Awakening (Kate Chopin)

by J

The Awakening is a truly great novel by Chopin. The story tells the tale of a woman by the name of Edna and her struggle to find an independent identity, separate from the rest of society.

It takes place in St. Louis and vacation islands off the cost of Louisiana. Chopin brilliantly depicts the Creole* society at the time when feminism began to take shape. Edna Pontieller begins as an ordinary, dependent Creole woman. She is an obedient "object" for her husband to direct. However, her meeting with Robert Leburn greatly changes her attitude toward herself and her husband. Robert awakens an infatuation (read the book to decide if it's an infatuation or true love) within Edna, beginning her quest for independence.

Chopin uses Edna as the archetype of a woman trying to find her own place in the world. The book offers a wonder analysis into the mind of a feminist woman. As a constantly changing character, Edna has several awakenings. In the first one, she experiences the feeling of uninhibited freedom. Chopin also utilizes Adele Ratignolle, Edna's friend, as an interesting contrast to Edna.

Unfortunately, Chopin was never able to see her masterpiece read by the masses. After publishing The Awakening, many public stores and facilities banned the book from their shelves because of vulgar content. Now The Awakening is one of the most read books in high schools and colleges around the country!

* Creole -- a person of Spanish or French descent, usually considered people of the upper class