A Sliver of Awareness essays

A Sliver of Awareness essays The first time I read The Awakening by Kate Chopin, I was frustrated and wanted to pound my fists on my thighs. I was angry with the author for denying the character Edna a right to love and happiness, as well as making her such a selfish creature that committed suicide, thus depriving her children of their mother. But on closer introspection and class discussion, I have come to see a different side to the story, and have been moved. I see in Edna what I have seen in many young women, filled with idealism, as they start their family and their "happily ever after." However, it always seems that after the glamour and bliss wears off from the wedding and gifts and new status in life, that idealism turns to boredom, tedium, and realism. This leaves the door open for someone like Robert to present themselves as a break from routineexcitement, attraction, drama, and an element of danger as well. Edna falls prey to the realization that her married life is not fulfilling her, and as confused as she is, she feels great needs and emotions that have to be addressed. Her infatuation with Robert, as well as her experimentation with art, is uncovering the same deep roots of passion within her. "She (Edna) slept but a few hours. They were troubled and feverish hours, disturbed with dreams that were intangible, that eluded her, leaving only an impression upon her half-awakened senses of something unattainable." (p. 32). This odd, almost transcendental feeling that Edna has is the result of her first recognition of desire for Robert. Chopin places passages like this in different places to remind the reader of Edna's emotional awakening. "Edna felt as if she were being borne away from some anchorage which had held her fast, whose chains had been looseninghad snapped the night before when the mystic spirit was abroad, leaving her free to drift whithersoever she chose to set her sails." (p. 33). Using these tools, Chopin sets u...