Theme Of Feminism In The Awakening
The Awakening Feminism has consistently been a major theme of literature throughout history. It has been used as a commentary on the status of women in a given time period, or to show how people’s attitudes have changed over time. Feminism in literature can also be used, as in the case of The Awakening by Kate Chopin, as a way to show how individual people, especially women can have a positive effect on the world around them. The actions of Edna and Adele Ratignolle in The Awakening are examples of how women can advance feminist ideals, even if it is not done in the conventional way. Edna does this by becoming her own individual person throughout the story. Adele does it by simply her life the way she wants, even if that means stay home and
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This is most evident when Madame Ratignolle has difficulty deciding which bon bon to eat when offered one by Edna, “That lady seemed at a loss to make a selection, but finally settled upon a stick of nugat, wondering if it were not too rich; whether it could possibly hurt her” (Chopin 9). Now, all of this evidence may seem to point to the conclusion that Adele Ratignolle’s character opposes everything that feminism is and stands for, but the truth is quite the opposite. Adele embodies the ideals of feminism just as much as Edna. Adele lives her life the way she wants to. Yes, she is a housewife who does not have many responsibilities or obligations, but that is what makes her happy. She does not have to worry about anything in life. And despite being so dependent on her husband, Adele commands an extremely high level of respect from other members of her social circle. Part of the definition of feminism is that women should be allowed to lead their life the way they choose to and not fear being ridiculed for it, and Adele does that in every way.
So, while Adele Ratignolle may seem to be someone who stands in the way of the advancement of feminist ideals, in reality, she embodies those ideals just as much as Edna. Edna comes to be what people often associate with feminism. She was strong and independent and did not rely on anyone. But she was not the only character in The Awakening to be the poster child for feminism. Madame Ratignolle led a life that made her happy. And if people could start seeing characters like her as just as important a role model as characters like Edna Pontellier, the message of equality and feminism would strengthened
This is most evident when Madame Ratignolle has difficulty deciding which bon bon to eat when offered one by Edna, “That lady seemed at a loss to make a selection, but finally settled upon a stick of nugat, wondering if it were not too rich; whether it could possibly hurt her” (Chopin 9). Now, all of this evidence may seem to point to the conclusion that Adele Ratignolle’s character opposes everything that feminism is and stands for, but the truth is quite the opposite. Adele embodies the ideals of feminism just as much as Edna. Adele lives her life the way she wants to. Yes, she is a housewife who does not have many responsibilities or obligations, but that is what makes her happy. She does not have to worry about anything in life. And despite being so dependent on her husband, Adele commands an extremely high level of respect from other members of her social circle. Part of the definition of feminism is that women should be allowed to lead their life the way they choose to and not fear being ridiculed for it, and Adele does that in every way.
So, while Adele Ratignolle may seem to be someone who stands in the way of the advancement of feminist ideals, in reality, she embodies those ideals just as much as Edna. Edna comes to be what people often associate with feminism. She was strong and independent and did not rely on anyone. But she was not the only character in The Awakening to be the poster child for feminism. Madame Ratignolle led a life that made her happy. And if people could start seeing characters like her as just as important a role model as characters like Edna Pontellier, the message of equality and feminism would strengthened