Reference To The Trouble Edna example essay topic

The Awakening In The Awakening by Kate Chopin, the emotional state of the central character is often shown to the reader through the employment of literary techniques. Characterization helps draw parallels and contrasts between secondary characters and Edna Pon tellier. Symbolism is used in order to outline Ednas progression as a character. At the very beginning of the book, there is constant reference to a caged bird. This can be considered to be a reference to the caged life that Edna leads as a wife and mother in the late 19th century. The bird is described as speaking a common language and also a language which nobody understood, unless it was the mocking-bird that hung on the other side of the door...

This is a reference to the trouble Edna had in making people understand what she felt about her life and her family, since her views differed from the standard. The mockingbird next door could be either Robert or Mademoiselle Reisz, the individuals who served as confidants to Edna. The bird metaphor continues throughout the book. At one point, Mademoiselle Reisz checks Ednas shoulder blades to see if her wings were strong...

The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings. It is a sad spectacle to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth. Edna must be strong enough to survive her uprising of sorts against traditional society. She would, however, rather be a wounded free bird than remain caged. Another reference to birds is the name of Ednas temporary home, the Pigeon House. Another important symbol is water.

When Edna finally overcomes her inability to swim, she feels free and empowered. She has difficulty realizing that she cannot swim out as far as she would like to, i.e. she is not entirely self-dependent It is thus ironic that she ultimately frees herself completely by drowning. Her suicide is her only option in order to not sacrifice herself. If she lived, she would have to give up her soul, and just as importantly, her voice. Characterization is important in The Awakening because it shows important contrasts between Edna and the array of characters that surround her.

There are constantly a pair of lovers surrounding her, always very self involved and obviously in love. They serve to show her what her life, especially her marriage, is lacking. Mariequita helps show Edna a carefree spirit she is lacking. Her reactions to these characters outline her altering emotional state throughout the book. For example, her relief at her fathers absence shows her feelings towards being abandoned by men.

This is due to attachment deprivation during childhood. Another example is the different references to the lady in black and Mademoiselle Reisz, who are perhaps the same character. At the beginning of the story she is described as the ever present lady in black. This could show her feelings of depression and death.

When she is referred to as Mademoiselle Reisz, it is only when Edna is in a positive state of mind. This occurs when she is being entertained by Mademoiselle Reisz musical talents, and when she is visiting her to read Roberts letters. Also, Edna feels contrasting feelings of sympathy and jealousy towards Mariequita. She is sympathetic when overcome with love and joy at being is Roberts company (the section on the boat), and is jealous when she is not in his presence (visiting the Lebrun household). Characterization helps demonstrate Ednas sharp mood swings and manic-depressive tendencies. The reader begins to notice how her views towards certain characters fluctuates seemingly inexplicably.

The literary technique of symbolism shows Ednas need to be free from the constraints of the life imposed upon her. She is a bird seeking independence. Her freedom symbolically comes in the form of water..