feminaw Feminist Reading of Kate Chopins The Awakening...

A Feminist Reading of The Awakeningnbsp;nbsp; The Awakening is not new to me. However, in the class when I read it before the instructor refused to entertain a feminist criticism. The theory presented was that Edna knew what kind of man she was marrying and all these things she went through: her friendship with Madame Reisz leaving the house, entertaining her friends at the party, her situation with Robert and Arobin were all selfish efforts toward the ultimate freedom which is death. I feel Chopin faults Leonce as much as Edna for Ednas problems. He is a cold fish. He is controlling and he puts on a show for friends and neighbors proving he is a model husband which he is not. He is Creole and I think Edna, being as reserve†¦show more content†¦Her search for freedom builds and destroys relationships. She befriends people and then chooses to ignore them. Her final big party is her final farewell. She brings out all the sensuousness that her reserve had kept her from expressing and enjoying. Everything pleasing to the senses is there for her guests. There are colors, textures, tastes, and sounds for the senses to luxuriate. But all this sensory enhancements doesnt keep her attention. She feels the same old ennui, and the party shortly thereafter breaks up. Of course, all this meets with Leonce disapproval. His concern is not about his wifes mental or emotional health, but rather, what people will say. To experience freedom of the soul Edna has no choice but to return to the sea. It is the only thing capable of giving her the emotional security and sensual satisfaction at the same time. She goes to it and allows it to claim her. Like many of Chopins stories, The Awakening ends in a death. Chopin apparently sees death as the ultimate freedom. No matter what we do as women in this world we are always restricted in our movements by some facet of our lives. While Chopin tries to speak for women, I think this premise that our lives are restricted also applies to men. There may not be as many restrictions but they are there. Freedoms just another word for nothin left to loose.Janis Joplin The