Kate Chopin’s The Awakening (first published in 1899) presents a heartfelt exploration of a woman’s emotional and intellectual struggle against the restrictive gender norms of her time. Through the protagonist, Edna Pontellier, Chopin gives voice to a woman awakening to her individuality and questioning the roles imposed upon her. This paper re-examines the novel using contemporary feminist theories and psychoanalytic insights, highlighting the tension between societal expectations and personal freedom. In doing so, it humanizes Edna's experience, portraying her not just as a symbol of resistance but as a deeply conflicted individual grappling with her identity.
gender roles, feminism, autonomy, societal expectations, self-realization
. Beyond the Shoreline: Edna Pontellier's Quest for Selfhood in a Patriarchal World. Indian Journal of Modern Research and Reviews. 2025; 3(7):41-44
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