R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on + 1452 more book reviews
A woman valued as a possession rather than a person, Edna realizes that her life has been ordered by the men in her life. Wife, mother of two and discontented with her role in society, she begins to turn away from associates her husband believes that she should cultivate to promote his business interests. She relishes the presence of those individuals who treat her as an interesting person and seeks out those who are interesting to her. She begins to paint not because she is so talented but because it allows her to do something that she herself can do to express her inner self.
While Edna adores her children and would give her life for them, she is increasingly drawn to a search for who she herself might become. Her husband is kind and gentle and loves his wife yet he is restrained by the values of the day. Edna did not marry for love but finds it in her search for who she is.
The book was first printed in 1899. Because of its controversial nature, The Awakening lost its audience at that time. It was rediscovered in the 1960s as the feminist movement gained ground in our society. I admit that I did not equate the tale with the movement, but then, I, too, understand have wandered these paths and have known others who seek to know who they are and might become. Yes, some might say that Kate Chopin was a woman ahead of her time but I suspect that many more women than Edna and the author sought who they were emotionally and passionately or who they might become. Good read!
While Edna adores her children and would give her life for them, she is increasingly drawn to a search for who she herself might become. Her husband is kind and gentle and loves his wife yet he is restrained by the values of the day. Edna did not marry for love but finds it in her search for who she is.
The book was first printed in 1899. Because of its controversial nature, The Awakening lost its audience at that time. It was rediscovered in the 1960s as the feminist movement gained ground in our society. I admit that I did not equate the tale with the movement, but then, I, too, understand have wandered these paths and have known others who seek to know who they are and might become. Yes, some might say that Kate Chopin was a woman ahead of her time but I suspect that many more women than Edna and the author sought who they were emotionally and passionately or who they might become. Good read!
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