Symbols in The Awakening

In The Awakening by Kate Chopin, there are many symbols that represent Edna’s transition and carry out the messages of the novel.

Birds: The novel begins with a parrot repeating this phrase: “allez vous-en! allez vous-en! sapristi!” At this point, readers don’t know the significance of this parrot that represents Edna’s struggle with society. The parrot and Edna are both cadged and misunderstood. Edna is trapped by society just like the bird in its cage. Mademoiselle Reisz tells Edna, “The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings.” This quote shows the connection between birds and how they reflect the strength that Edna needs to defy the standards of society. 

Sea: The sea represents one half of Edna’s “dual life.” She is trapped by society who is trying to conform, but in the sea she discovers her own inner strength that wants to defy society. In chapter six it says, “the voice of the sea speaks to the soul” (34). This is true for Edna as the sea symbolizes her freedom and the ability to reinvent herself. As we know, water is used for Baptism that symbolizes purification and rebirth. This is similar to when Edna enters the sea and becomes a new woman.

Houses: Edna stays in many different houses throughout the novel. In the first house, she is trapped and it serves as a cage. In each house she moves to, it is a symbol of her progression throughout the novel. She finds a different role for herself in each house. However, in the end she realizes that she will always feel trapped at home, no matter where she goes.

Cigars: Edna’s husband and Mr. Pontellier are constantly smoking. In the nineteenth century, this was a common practice for men but not for women. In the novel, cigars represent the dominant male nature in society at the time. It represents the things that Edna struggles to defeat.