The Awakening choose one of 3

The Awakening ' by Chopin

The Awakening ' by Chopin shows us how a women having been always treated as a child finds hew way of self-expression and freedom . There are many themes involved in the story : re-birth or self-expression Victorian values , oppression of women , etc . Nevertheless , the central theme of the story is Edna 's (main character ) self-expression or awakening as Chopin calls it . Throughout the story Edna discover that she does have her ways of self-expression which leads to new emotions she has always repressed inside

Chopin shows that during awakening

Edna learns the mode of expression of Creole women who are allowed to speak freely and to share their emotions with men . Edna sees that there is a place for a woman in men 's world Earlier she was taught that only men have the right to choose and to tell her what to do . Now the situation has significantly changed . Edna is shocked by the frankness of Creole women and then she realizes that it is a sign of liberation and independence . Furthermore , we see that Edna finds ways how to face her sexuality and emotions with confidence She is taught that is normal to think and to speak about her feelings and in the end of the story Edna freely articulate her emotions

One more positive moment is that Edna learns to express her true self through art . For example , in Chapter XX Edna and Mademoiselle Reiz are playing piano : she saw no pictures of solitude , of hope , of longing or of despair . But the very passions themselves were aroused within her soul , swaying it , lashing it , as the waves daily beat upon her splendid body . Nevertheless , Edna realizes the negative consequences of her self-expression . Chopin shows that with Edna 's confidence and abilities to express herself , less people are willing to understand her . Even Robert , her husband , rejects her . Finally , Edna commits a suicide symbolizing that she would better die that return to the world of oppressed women . Therefore , the theme of self expression is central to the story as she shows a road to Edna 's liberation and personal independence

References

Chopin , Kate (1982 . The Awakening . USA : Avon

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