In nineteenth century, women at that time are always controlled by their husbands, and they lack the right to speak for themselves. Therefore, freedom is what they really need in that time. Freedom can not only stands for personal will, but also means that we can take control of everything. There are lots of images that come up with our minds when we think of freedom, and Kate Chopin also uses these images in this novel to deliver the concepts about raising consciousness of women such as sea and the piano music.
Sea is the only place which can make Edna feel peace. The images of sea which include factors like quietness, stillness, stability, and broadness often appear in the scenes when Edna needs to contemplate something alone. Edna likes herself to soak in the sea because sea is the only space where she can clarify herself clearly. Also, in the end of chapter six, Chopin explains the feeling that sea brings to Edna, she notes” The voice of the sea is seductive; never......,” and “The voice of the sea speaks to the soul. The touch......” These notes can represent the sea brings the truly peace for her mind, and she can figure what the thought in her mind and about to burst is.
In addition to the image of the sea, the piano music is one of the important images in The Awakening. People’s feelings will change through the different kinds of music. In other words, the music can reflect a certain kind of feeling of a person, and it especially influences the person like Edna who has a strong personality. The piano music in the novel reminds of her that she should fight for her own will though she still does not know what it is. What’s more, Chopin also mentions in chapter nine, she notes” One piece which that lady played Edna had entitled” Solitude.” It was a short, plaintive……” From this short sentences Chopin indicates that the piano music also consoles Edna when she does not know that whether she will succeed to win her freedom or not, and it also points out that the road to her liberty may not be so smooth.
To sum up, the raising consciousness of women is a way that leads women to release themselves. They have been oppressed since the ancient time of the world, so it can be seen obviously that women want to take control of their lives, especially freedom. They can sacrifice everything in order to exchange their liberties, and it is also claimed clearly in the novel.
by Esme 2012.6.7
留言列表
