The Awakening by Kate Chopin

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The Awakening by Kate Chopin
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I. Introduction

• The role of women and marriage in late 19th
  century (into the 20th century America)
• 1. Women as property---marriage
• 2. the disenfranchisement of women (no
  votesuffragette movements)
• 3. social rolesthe hostess (remember Mrs.
  Higgins in Pygmalion)

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A. The Role of Women (continued)

1. Family roleswife and mother
2. Womens lived vicariouslythrough others
   (especially men)
3. A culture of disparagement and condescension
   (that still exists today)

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B. Kate Chopin (18501904)

• Grew up in St. Louis with an Irish-American
  father and a Creole mother
• Father died youngKate grows up in a house full
  of womenbecomes very independent and
• Marries at 19 to a gentle wealthy businessman who
  tolerates her
• unconventional ways

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B. Kate Chopin (continued)

1. Husband (Oscar) dies in 1883 (married 14
   yearsKate is 33) and leaves her financially
   secure
2. Dr. Kolbenheyers friendship and influence
3. Her writing style
4. The uproar over The Awakening (1899)

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Major Themes

1. Psychological
2. Living the authentic life
3. Independence

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II. Major Themes (continued)

• Duty
• Marriage
• Loneliness

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II. Major Themes (continued)

• G. Sex and Love
• H. Independence
• I. The Role of Art

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C. Characters

• Edna
• Leonce
• Adele Ratingnole
• the mother-woman

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C. Characters (continued)

1. Mademoiselle Ruisz
2. Robert
3. Alcee Arobin
4. Dr. Mandolet

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Setting

• Grand Isle
• New Orleans Home
• New Orleans itself
• The Big House
• The Pigeon House

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E. Symbolism

1. Art
2. Birds
3. Clothes
4. Food / eating

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E. Symbolism

1. Swimming
2. The sea
3. The moon
4. Piano
5. sleep