Symbolism In Kate Chopin's The Awakening

Throughout history, people have always been drawn to the natural world, but never truly questioned why. The connection between a person and nature is evident, and has been since the beginning of time. People are a major part of nature, being both influenced by it and the influencer. The natural world influences humans, whether it is known or not. In Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, symbols such as the ocean, Grand Isle Island, and the moon demonstrate ecocritical ideals by advancing plot and portraying Edna Pontellier’s character growth.

The novel’s representation of the ocean demonstrates Edna’s sexual exploration. Edna starts off as a character who was filling the role of a typical woman, a wife to Leonce and a mother to Etienne and Raoul. Although this was her role, Edna never really fit in with the other women and was unaware of what she truly desired and wanted her life to be. Robert opened Edna’s eyes, allowing her to be
For Edna, the island was a home away from home. Edna is not dragged down by obligations and society on the island. The island offers an escape from reality and plenty of solitude. Edna felt comfortable and was more relaxed during her stay. She meets Robert at Grand Isle which changes her outlook on life. Robert treats her very well at the beginning, and shows Edna that not all men are as controlling and demanding as Mr. Pontellier. Robert becomes the center of Edna’s world, as he is one of the reasons for her going after freedom. The narrator states, “Robert’s going had some way taken the brightness, the color, the meaning out of everything” (Chopin 46). This quotation further demonstrates Edna’s obsession with Robert and how much he affected her. On the island, Edna starts to become who she wants, which foreshadows Edna defying Mr. Pontellier. Edna starts and ends her journey on Grand Isle; this is very significant because Edna goes back to the place that ignited the fire within