Presentation (Handout, Outline of lecture)

Amanda O’Donnell

Kate Chopin, The Awakening

I first read Chopin’s The Awakening in my women writers’ class. I thought Chopin’s ability to depict relatable internal conflict was impressive. Having studied it since, I began to realize as many times as it is referred to as a feminist work, responsible even for having in someway spearheaded the feminist movement, it is referred to as the opposite: a work of an author with a distinct lack of interest in feminism. Should The Awakening be approached as a feminist work? What does it matter? I attempted to classify it based on evidence found within the novel.

Biography:

• ·      Born in 1850
• ·      Raised by strong, independent females
• ·      First published in early 1890’s

Summary:

• ·      Protagonist Edna Pontellier
• ·      Unsatisfied with society’s designated role, to act solely as mother and wife
• ·      Incapable of filling personal desires, sexual and emotional
• ·      Is eventually overtaken by the conflict of her realizations and defiance, and established norms
• ·      Swims out to sea in an act that is assumed suicidal

Background:

• ·      Published in 1899
• ·      Turn of the century, emergence of feminist ideals
• ·      Criticized for subject matter, praised for style and ability

Feminism or… :

• ·      Ultimately a depiction
• ·      Despite what it is labeled it reads the same
• ·      Edna’s suicide as a hope for change
• ·      Chopin’s decision to publish