Freedom In Kate Chopin's The Awakening

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Freedom
a) "She realized that she had neglected her reading, and determined to start anew upon a course of improving studies, now that her time was completely her own to do with as she liked." (Chopin 24) -How: This quote fits within the theme of freedom because since Leonce Pontellier was out of town, she had the pleasure, leisure and the freedom to do what she wants without being criticized and restricted by Leonce. Therefore, Edna decided to neglect her reading, house duties and responsibilities.
b) “"Good-by—because I love you."” (Chopin 39) -How: This quote fits within the theme of freedom because in chapter 39, it is shown that Edna is saying goodbye to Robert. Edna had the freedom to choose whether to commit …show more content…
Pontellier was beginning to realize her position in the universe as a human being, and to recognize her relations as an individual to the world within and about her." (Chapter 6) -How: This quote fits within the theme of search of self because in the beginning of the novella, she was slowly trying to find herself as a woman and a human being. In this quote is beginning to realize her position within this world as well as her responsibilities.
b) "Painting!" laughed Edna. "I am becoming an artist.Think of it," (Chopin 21) -How: This quote fits within the theme of search of self because through painting she finds a part of herself that she never knew about. She expresses her feelings and her thoughts through the paintings and the brush …show more content…
Private Life
a) "Even as a child she had lived her own small life within herself. At a very early period she had apprehended instinctively the dual life- that outward existence which conforms, the inward life which questions." (Chapter 7) -How: This quote fits within the theme, public vs. private life because “dual life” means to be “conformed” to society on the outside, but on the inside, to be yourself. With Edna, when she is out in public and as a small child she was always forced to conform to society’s norms and regulations of how to be a “proper woman.” However, when she’s not out in public, she is very free spirited. Throughout the chapters, she’s conflicted on whether to conform with society or just break the rules of being a “proper woman.”
b) "The tears came so fast to Mrs. Pontellier's eyes that the damp sleeve of her peignoir no longer served to dry them.” (Chopin 3) -How: This quote fits within the theme of public vs. private life because women in society were to oppress their own emotions and how they truly feel, therefore women in the society are modest and well-behaved. Edna has never cried in front of anyone before because she was taught to suppress her emotions within herself because showing your emotions wasn’t lady like. So, on the inside she wants to show how she truly feels, but society limits her show of
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