Total Page : 112
Publisher : Cliffs Notes
Publication Date : 2000 12 22
>> An Easy Classic to Enjoy
This novel reminded me of Anna Karenina by Tolstoy but it was a much easier and shorter book to read It is a good choice if you are looking to read some true classics but do not want something difficult Chopin is not a wordy writer who goes into great detail She gives her impressions and ideas in such a way as to spark many questions in your mind rather than to cover all the themes thoroughly The focus is on the inner psychology of the protagonists mind I really enjoyed this novel I loved the subtly of the writing the interesting characters and the mysterious ending Chopin s skillful writing captures the essence of the internal awakening of her protagonist without being too dramatic or obvious The whole book portrays the development of Edna like a gentle unfolding as she opens herself to the influences of art music friendship and environment
The Awakening raises the interesting dilemma of being true to the self versus social responsibility Chopin s character Edna goes so far as to state she would give up the unessential but she would never sacrifice herself for her children When thinking of her husband and children she says They were a part of her life But they need not have thought that they could possess her body and soul p 155 Kate Chopin does not give a simple answer to this issue leaving it open to the reader to interpret the nature of Edna and her choices
>> It s a Gem
Obviously this book was far ahead of its time It s short but carries a huge message whether Chopin intended it or not I love this book and will read it again and again
>> The tragedy of a time and place when women s lives were tightly prescribed
Published in 1899 The Awakening brings the reader to a time and place where women s lives were tightly prescribed It s set in New Orleans and its environs and begins at the Grand Isle resort where wealthy Creole families spend their summers Edna Pontellier is 28 years old has two young sons and a distinguished husband who expects her to follow all the conventions of the time But Edna who the author always refers to as Mrs Pontellier is restless and befriends the son of the proprietor of the resort Robert Lebrun They are soon mutually attracted to each other and the seeds of a romance are sown But the summer ends Robert leaves for Mexico on business and Edna returns to New Orleans with her family
Edna tries hard to live the life arranged for her which consists of staying home in the afternoons and entertaining her women friends But she is not happy and shockingly leaves her house to visit the home of a piano teacher she met during the summer who sometimes receives letters from Robert She also goes to horse races with friends where she is thrown into contact with a man who starts to romance her When her husband leaves town for an extended business venture Edna starts to break free from the constraints of her life leading to tragedy
The book is short a mere 190 pages but it has a tremendous impact Reading it I was reminded of the changes that have occurred in women s lives over the years I was also enchanted by the skill of the author and the way she used her words to bring me right into the center of Edna s life This book has been applauded as a classic and I can well understand why
