Social Norms In Kate Chopin's The Awakening

Words: 155
Pages: 1

In the story “The Awakening”, Chopin indirectly comments on social norms that were present during the late 1800's using symbolism. The author’s first comment appears when caged birds are seen by Edna. The two birds in a cage are the author’s comment on how women during this period of time, the Victorian period, were expected to fill two roles. Women were expected to fit the roles of both mother and wife; any women who didn’t fit these expectations were frowned upon in this society. Additionally, not only do the birds in the cage hold meaning, the cage itself holds symbolism. The author near the beginning of the story mentions the two birds in a cage. This cage that the birds are in represents how women are caged by society or society norms,