Symbolism In The Awakening Essay, Research Paper

Although all the images found in the novel gain more symbolic meaning as the story progresses, the seas is the primary symbol. The sea represents the difference between choice and blind obedience, self- determination and predestination and between life and death. ” The voice of the sea is seductive; never ceasing, whispering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander a spell in abysses of solitude; to lose itself in mazes of inward contemplation ” (13). Kenneth Elbe, an author , also explains:

“In this manner, Kate Chopin introduced the seas into the life of Edna Pontellier. Throughout the novel, the sea would affect Edna’s life in any ways, at times acting as a comforting beacon in the night, while others a beckoning over, grasping her tight. Most specifically, the seas aid in Edna’s physical awakening through major symbolic changes. (Bloom 11).

It is while still at the seaside resort the Edna first realizes that she can still love and still feel love and that changed her life. In the begging of the novel, the sea became a conduit through which Edna could reach Robert. She never knew why going out to the beach with Robert was so enrapturing, but whenever she was asked, she felt compelled to attend. In this manner, the sea called to Edna mysteriously through the next few chapters of the novel. Patrick Evan mentions ” The seas renews the feeling of freedom that she experiences learning to swim and on changing her life. This again begins her and Edna willingly releases to it ” (Evans 1). ” A certain light was beginning to dawn dimly within her — the light which, showing the way, forbids it” (13). This light emerged through Edna’s first bathing experiences in the sea with Robert, and continued to tease her regularly.