Criticism In Kate Chopin's The Awakening

Published in 1899, The Awakening by Kate Chopin received a whole deal of criticism through reviews. It was unconventional in the way it imitated a troubled marriage with a woman seeking her independence and freedom, which at the time went against social norms which necessitated her to be a loyal wife and a good mother. Many readers disliked the sexual language that was incorporated into the text, however, some adored Chopin's writing style and talent. Personally, I believe Chopin does a wonderful job at creating thematic depth with her writing and respect her decision to publish the novel despite such an abrasive time period. The Awakening by Chopin has an insightful theme and also has unique language which make it a work of literary merit; her writing is something that unquestionably needs to be analyzed by high-level literature courses. Women, at the time the book was written, had a specific role. They were to take care of their children, be a loyal wife and be reserved. Edna had other thoughts. She wanted to be independent, had artistic interests, and sought relations
She only has a few symbols, but they are powerful ones that have complex meanings. The ocean is the most important. “The voice of the sea is seductive, never ceasing, whispering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander in the abysses of solitude”(115). Her independence is connected to the ocean. The interesting thing that Chopin does with the ocean is exhibiting progression. The ocean becomes a symbol of advancement. She learns how to swim in that ocean. The ocean keeps reaching out to her and forcing her to become independent. The ocean also becomes her death. Chopin brings in that conflict again. A symbol that has been encouraging till the end, becomes a vehicle of death. Too much independence leads to solitude, which is not exactly positive. This is Chopin inducing her readers, yet again, to discuss about the concept of women's