"The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

“The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings.”
- Kate Chopin, The Awakening

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Imagine a time when a woman was considered the property of her husband.  While modern women still deal with the effects of a patriarchal society, our predecessors paved the way for our right to vote, own property, and hold a political position.  The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) can trace its roots back to 1868 when Jane Cunningham Croly, a professional journalist, attempted to attend a dinner at an all-male press club honoring Charles Dickens.  Croly was denied based on her gender, and in response, formed a woman’s club—Sorosis.   In 1890 the General Federation of Women’s Clubs was founded, to support clubs throughout the nation and further their efforts at providing education, improved working conditions, health care, scholarships, and other reforms.  

Kate Chopin’s The Awakening was published in 1899 in the midst of the Women's Rights Movement and follows the inner journey of Edna Pontellier, a respectable wife and mother in late 19th century New Orleans, as she uncovers her latent desires and sense of self.   During a summer holiday on Grand Isle, Edna discovers her sense of freedom and self-expression, becomes aware of her sexuality and need for independence, and begins to paint and swim as a way to assert her new internal revelations.  Returning home, Edna finds that she is not satisfied simply playing the role of doting mother and wife and struggles to reconcile her inner needs and the expectations placed on her by society.

At the time it was published, The Awakening was very controversial because of the uninhibited exploration of women’s sexual passion, marital infidelity, and escape from traditional gender roles.  Even today, many find it difficult to sympathize with Edna’s often selfish and childish actions and expectations.  However, the beauty in this novel is that Edna’s character is flawed which makes her human.   While Edna Pontellier's awakening happened over a century ago, the question remains:  is Edna's struggle true for all women?  


​For more information on GFWC visit:
http://www.gfwc.org/