Edna's Transcendence of Society - A Review of Kate Chopin's The Awakening

Edna's Transcendence of Society - A reviwe of Kate Chopin's The Awakening

The end of The Awakening provokes many questions, namely; what really happens? And what does it mean? While I cannot tell you for sure what Kate Chopin intended, I can make assumptions based on the information in the text. Throughout the whole book, Edna again and again asserts her strength, as she refuses anything to be forced upon her, and pursues that which fulfills her mind and body.

Before any in depth analysis can be made, one has to decide whether or not Edna dies at the end of the book. While there is some debate on the matter, I feel that the evidence points more towards her impulsive suicide than anything else. Chopin writes that Edna swims so hard for so long, that she turns and realizes that she does not have enough energy to make it back to shore.

English: Edna and husband Oscar Lewisohn

English: Photo for "The Awakening" novel by Kate C...

English: First ed title pg

Clearly, it states that she cannot make it back to shore, and so she must drown. However, it is also clearly an impulsive act, as she 'suddenly' realized she could not make it back. Another clue as to its spontaneity is the fact that Edna asks what is for dinner, and then specifically requests fish. One would assume that someone who is planning suicide would not request a specific dish for dinner. So, based upon the information, Edna most likely dies at the end of the story in an impulsive suicide. That said there is the matter as to whether this suicide is society's triumph over Edna, or is it in fact Edna's triumph over society?

At the beginning of the story, Edna quickly finds herself unable to tend to her responsibilities, and desperately seeking personal fulfillment. Though she cares for both her children and her...