The Awakening By Kate Chopin: The Imagery And Symbolism

As Edna had started to develop her new personality, she is also charmed by the views of Grand Ilse that leave an impression on her life…. “She could hear again the ripple of the water…” The vibrant environment that Edna illustrates has a deeper meaning than what is at surface. Edna’s sensations have derived from what she really feels within herself. As a metaphor, she is stripping off the societal expectations and freeing herself as if she does not have an obligation to her children of 4 and 5 years of age. In the moment of her vacation, she empowers herself in atypical ways. The awakening in Edna’s life had been the freedom of what she has been longing for.

In the awakening, Edna is herself. She is a mother and a wife, but more devoted to herself. In the early 18th and 19th century, women were not known to have the space to grow into who they want to become. Edna challenges the injustice. Eda is also defining her compassion in her art, with the freedom of having time to paint. Her only form of self expression lies through her artwork. Robert and Edna’s relationship has a deep meaningful connection as they share the same physical attraction. Their drive has equally brought them closer. In this sense, it is that Edna’s conscience of abandoning her children and husband had weakened and diminished. It did not cross her mind of who she is originally betraying….

Edna had been completely comfortable with the idea of living alone, and having the sense of security in her small pigeon house….

Kate Chopin illustrates the birdlike imagery. This imagery has shone through many aspects such as reflecting how Edna feels about herself deeply. In the beginning of the story, a green and yellow parrot hung in a cage outside the door repeating and repeating chants. Edna had resembled such a short sentence as she is the isolated bird that is repeating the same lifestyle over and over again. The colors of the parrot signify vibrant moods of Grand Isle and New Orleans. The green parrot suggests the happiness she has felt on the vacation, and the longing desperation of Robert. The yellow implies the sensation of the warm sunlight exposed on a perfect Southern day. As the story progressed, Chopin describes the bird’s purpose. The purpose of the birds were to fly high and prosper. As Mademoiselle Reisz’s statement had went, Edna succeeded in living her reckless ideal independence.