How Does Kate Chopin Use Symbols In The Awakening

Throughout Kate Chopin’s novel, “The Awakening”, there are numerous usages of imageries and symbols that she incorporates to display and disclose Edna’s fright. Several symbolic items are used to divulge this terror, and the most communal one that Chopin uses in this novel are birds. Numerous other symbols are used and related to such as rings, fountain, and vase(s). In normal life, we may not be able to relate to these symbols, but it is imperative to understand how the representations affected Edna in an abundant way. Chopin frequently associates Edna to birds that are imprisoned in a cage. In the beginning of the novel, Edna has not begun to see what life is all about, and is trapped in her old behaviors. During this time, she is not free …show more content…
During Edna’s summer, she has tirelessly endeavored to teach herself how to swim, but has failed numerous times. Numerous people, such as children, men and women have struggled to teach her how to swim on Grand Isle, a popular holiday resort. Edna irrevocably gets the hang of it and starts to swim with no assistance. Chopin uses this occurrence (learning to swim) as a symbol of liberation, and empowerment. Edna is astounded with the métier and enjoyment that she senses after finally swimming after trying for so long with unsuccessful outcomes. Chopin also used the concept of swimming and staying afloat, and “getting in over one’s head”; Edna efficaciously does both impeccably. Numerous other images and symbols are used in this novel, but the following greatest substantial one that Chopin used is a merely a “house”. During Edna’s awakening, she experiences different phases of her life, and Chopin uses this to her benefit, by her living in a different house, dependent on what stage she is. On Grand Isle (the holiday resort town), Edna lives in the cottages. She has also lived at Madame Antoine’s on Cheniere Caminada, her “pigeon house” (nicknamed due to the size) and Leonces house in New