Essay about The Voice of the Sea in The Awakening - 871 Words

The Voice of the Sea in The Awakening Many different symbols were utilized in Kate Chopins The Awakening to illustrate the underlying themes and internal conflict of the characters. One constant and re-emerging symbol is the sea. The voice of the sea is seductive, never ceasing, whispering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander for a spell in abysses of solitude; to lose itself in mazes of inward contemplation. The voice of the sea speaks to the soul. The touch of the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace (Chopin 25). In the novel, â€Å"the ocean symbolizes Ednas awakening to a life filled with freedom and independence† (Nickerson). On a hot summer evening Robert†¦show more content†¦This rebirth takes her back to a time of innocence and curiosity that allows her to explore life through new eyes. Edna is filled with swelling emotions and reveals Sometimes I feel this summer as if I were walking through the green meadow again. Idly, aimlessly, unthinking, and unguided (Chopin 30). Ednas recollection of this event allows her to more clearly recognize her internal turmoil. The link between Ednas awakening and the ocean becomes even clearer when after several attempts she finally learns to swim. The first time she ventures out into the ocean alone is the first step toward her independence. She panics when she realizes how far she has gone alone and fears drowning. This incident represents Edna gaining control over her body and becoming more aware of her full potential. The ocean helps her recognize that her body is her own and she awakens to her physical, mental, and emotional capabilities. But that night she was like the little tottering, stumbling, clutching child, who of a sudden realizes its powers, and walks for the first time alone, boldly and with overconfidence. (Chopin 47). Ednas sudden terror in the middle of the ocean signifies that she may not be able to venture out as far as she wants to and may have to turn back. She wanted to swim far out, where no woman had swum before...A quickShow MoreRelated The Importance of the Sea in The Awakening Essay830 Words   |  4 PagesImportance of the Sea in The Awakening      Ã‚   Throughout her novel, The Awakening, Kate Chopin uses symbolism and imagery to portray the main characters emergence into a state of spiritual awareness. The image that appears the most throughout the novel is that of the sea. â€Å"Chopin uses the sea to symbolize freedom, freedom from others and freedom to be ones self† (Martin 58). The protagonist, Edna Pontellier, wants that freedom, and with images of the sea, Chopin shows Ednas awakening desire to beRead More The Transformation of Edna Pontellier in The Awakening Essay950 Words   |  4 Pagessomething, anything: she did not know what† (Chopin). 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