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Title: The Awakening
Author:
Kate Chopin
Age level: High School and older
Recommended by: Virginia Brackett, East Central University, Ada, Oklahoma Summary: The Awakening
features a realization on the part of Chopin's protagonist, Edna Pontellier, that she will never be able to successfully fulfill the roles of wife and mother. Caught up in the Creole culture of Louisiana in which a young man often acts an admirer to an older married woman, Edna finds herself falling in love with Robert Lebrun. Knowing this to be a forbidden love, Robert obeys his culture's edicts and rejects Edna's attentions when they go beyond courtly love. The opportunist Alcee Arobin takes advantage of Edna's vulnerability. Throughout the story, Edna compares herself to several other women representing female stereotypes—the angel of the house, the invalid, and the sexual temptress. While no overtly sexual themes are presented, their suggestion scandalized reading audiences of Chopin's late 19th century era.
Teaching suggestions: The Awakening
offers an excellent opportunity to discuss the history of women's rights, the feminist movement, gender inequalities, book banning (some libraries, including that in Chopin's hometown of St. Louis, found the book too "suggestive" to stock), suicide, and passion as it relates to the arts.
For teacher recommended websites on Kate Chopin,
click here. |
