The Awakening :: essays research papers

The AwakeningIn the book The Awakening, by Kate Chopin, Edna Pontellier is an hard put, married, mother who finds an outlet from her aliveness through a welcoming ocean."A certain ung all overnable timidity hung about her when in water, unless there was a hand nearby that capacity reach out and reassure her."(p.27) Edna is frightened by the ocean and real overwhelmed by its massive strength. Then she learns to swim and becomes fascinated by what was in one case an intimidator. "How easy it is" It is nothing."(p.27) Edna is in truth pleased with this new found joy Edna is estatic over conquering her fear. "She could have shouted for joy, she did shout for joy."(p.27) Edna feels happy with herself for the first fourth dimension in many years. "She felt like some new-born creature, opening its look in a familiar world it had never known."(p.115)Edna begins swimming on a regular basis and thoroughly enjoys it. "Edna plunged and swam about w ith an abandon thrilled and invigorated her."(p.49) "She remained a considerable beat in the water."(p.49) Swimming, for Edna, provides a much needed recess from her fundament tone and the typical role of a woman and a wife in the 19th century. "I have a notion to go down to the beach and take a good wash and in time a little swim," "before dinner? The water is too cold. Dont regard of it." "Well I might go down and try-dip my toes in."(p.114)Edna is growing very fond of the ocean and so adorns her swims. No one will confirm her from this new pleasure that brings such satisfaction to her life. Edna feels free for the first time since her childhood. She wonders so much this mysterious new being that is so tremendous to her. The ocean proves to be a place where she can transcend her life into the life of who she wants to be. "The touch of the sea is sensuous unfolding the body in its soft, close embrace."(p.115) Edna feels closer t o the sea than anyone she has ever known. "She thought of Leonce and the children. They were a function of her life, but they need not have thought they could posses her."(p.116)Edna is slowly line of descent to awaken from the marriage and life that has held her comatose for so long. She realizes why she is unhappy and looks to the sea for commiseration and answers, but finds none. Edna can only continue her love affair with the ocean and appreciate her newly-discovered soulmate.