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Open Question Feedback
Symbol in The Awakening
Final Reminders
– Use present tense to write about literature
– Simplify language
– Use words you are comfortable with
– Use words you have used before
– Getting your point across is more important
than using an impressive word
Introductions
– Avoid lead-ins. Get to the point quickly:
– In The Awakening, but Kate Chopin, the sea is a recurring
symbol that exemplifies the freedom and independence that
protagonist Edna Pontellier passionately desires for her life. The
sea functions as a catalyst for Edna’s own “awakening” and
rebirth, but also plays a role in her final attempt for
independence because Edna knows that while she wishes to be
free like the sea, societal expectations will never truly allow for
unrestrained independence.
Choosing a Symbol
– Make your job easy: Pick a symbol that has depth and adds to the Meaning of
the Work as a Whole (the central theme)
– The Sea = Freedom / Independence from societal constraints
– Swimming lessons with Robert
– First venture out on her own
– Returning to Grand Isle to die
– Houses = Confinement / Social Constraints
– Opens with a bird house (“Allez-vous en!”)
– New Orleans mansion
– Pidgeon House
– Contrast to the sea