The Awakening :: essays research papers

The AwakeningIn the book The Awakening, by Kate Chopin, Edna Pontellier is an unhappy, married, mother who finds an military issue from her life through a welcoming ocean."A certain indocile dread hung about her when in water, unless there was a hand nearby that might reach out and reassure her."(p.27) Edna is frightened by the ocean and very overwhelmed by its massive strength. Then she learns to swim and becomes fascinated by what was once an intimidator. "How easy it is" It is nothing."(p.27) Edna is very pleased with this new found pleasance Edna is estatic over conquering her fear. "She could have shouted for joy, she did shout for joy."(p.27) Edna feels happy with herself for the low time in many years. "She felt like some new-born creature, spring its eyes in a familiar world it had never known."(p.115)Edna begins move regularly and thoroughly enjoys it. "Edna plunged and swam about with an abandon thrilled and invigorated her.& quot(p.49) "She remained a long time in the water."(p.49) Swimming, for Edna, provides a much needed interruption from her home life and the typical role of a woman and a wife in the 19th century. "I have a feeling to go down to the beach and take a good sponge and even a little swim," "before dinner? The water is alike cold. Dont think of it." "Well I might go down and try-dip my toes in."(p.114)Edna is maturement very fond of the ocean and so adorns her swims. No one will keep her from this new pleasure that brings such satisfaction to her life. Edna feels free for the first time since her childhood. She loves so much this mysterious new being that is so wonderful to her. The ocean proves to be a place where she can choke her life into the life of who she wants to be. "The touch of the sea is sensuous unfolding the proboscis in its soft, close embrace."(p.115) Edna feels closer to the sea than anyone she has ever known. "She thoug ht of Leonce and the children. They were a part of her life, but they need not have thought they could posses her."(p.116)Edna is late beginning to awaken from the marriage and life that has held her comatose for so long. She realizes wherefore she is unhappy and looks to the sea for commiseration and answers, but finds none. Edna can only cover up her love affair with the ocean and appreciate her newly-discovered soulmate.