Symbols In The Awakening

The Awakening, written by Kate Chopin, uses symbolism as a major literary technique. Throughout the novel, the use of symbols represent meaning that goes beyond what is literally being said. One of the symbols recognized was the vase. As Edna was having a mental breakdown, she shattered the vase in a childish manner. This action symbolized throwing away a perfectly good life with a favorable husband because of her defiance of society. After smashing the crystal vase and stomping on her wedding ring, Edna appears to have come back to reality. “She was visited by no more outbursts, moving her to such futile expedients. She began to do as she liked and to feel as she liked” (Chopin, 56). The tantrum symbolized her freeing herself from the chains of her unhappy marriage.
Art played a vital role in Edna’s life and I saw this as a symbol of an escapist venture. Pursuing painting was not a means of achieving self-realization, but a way to escape the world. She mentions that she is selling her illustrations, which enables her to support herself financially, fund her independence. A place in her house called an
The ocean symbolises freedom and independence that seduces Edna to make the decision of leaving her responsibilities. In Chapter 10, the author mentions Robert having difficulty teaching Edna how to swim during the summer and that she couldn’t quite pick up on it. Mademoiselle Reisz tells Edna in Chapter 16 that she remembers Robert and Victor quarreling over a girl named Mariequita. Edna grows sad after hearing the news and decides to go for a very long swim. The authors purpose of this reaction creates a greater understanding of the symbolism of the ocean. Edna craves freedom when she is upset, therefor she is drawn to the ocean. The ocean in front of her was always inviting and solitary, so inviting that she gives into the seduction and ultimately sacrifices her life to the