Classic literature continues to challenge us to think deeply about identity, freedom, and the forces that shape our lives. In this blog Katherine Ramos of Scholars Academy, SC, reflects on how Kate Chopin’s The Awakening prompted her to examine the enduring struggle for women’s autonomy and the lasting power of literature to inspire courage and self-discovery.
Daring to Walk Beyond the Horizon: A Modern Look at Historical Feminism
Literature can often reveal the pressures and interests that were relevant during a given period in history. This is especially true in Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, published in 1899, which explores themes of femininity, self-discovery, and passion as Edna Pontellier navigates an oppressive, patriarchal society. However, not only does this novel offer a look at the past, it also demonstrates the struggles of women throughout history.
The novel follows Edna, a wife and a mother who resides in Louisiana in the late nineteenth century. While at a summer resort, Edna questions the traditional roles that society has prescribed to her. Unlike her peers, she is not fulfilled by devoting her life to her husband and children. In fact, societal expectations have left her confined, and at the mercy of everyone but herself. As she develops a stronger sense of her own self and desires, Edna goes on a journey of self-discovery as she tries to take back control of her life. She pursues independence through both isolation and new relationships, demonstrating unwavering determination and courage throughout the story. Despite her efforts, societal norms continue to plague her and conflicts become increasingly difficult to overcome. In the end, Edna returns to the beach where it all started.
Even though it is highly regarded today, The Awakening was met with harsh criticism when it was published. It was condemned and questioned for its vulgarity and amorality, and it was ultimately deemed scandalous for its deviation from cultural norms. While reading these critiques, I came to learn that the novel may have been reflective of Kate Chopin’s own life. The background behind this novel has encouraged me to critically think about the importance of individuality amidst societal barriers. It is no easy feat to dismantle long-standing conventions that are ingrained by society. It is because of people like Chopin who stand strong against disparagement that once controversial ideas become the norm; I value that today’s progress was, and continues to be, driven by those who challenge expectations.
Unfortunately, Chopin did not live to see the literary acclaim The Awakening would eventually receive. Nevertheless, her work remains prevalent and discussed in many classrooms, including mine.
The Awakening is my favorite of all the works I’ve read for my humanities course, and it remains a powerful piece of feminist literature that will continue to inspire me. What stayed with me the most is that Edna Pontellier is far from perfect. She can be selfish and impulsive, hurting others and herself through her actions. There were even moments when I felt that Edna had already possessed privileges and freedoms that were unobtainable by other women in her society. Yet, this is a crucial part of the novel. Too often, women are expected to accept the roles they have been given, leaving little to no room for noncompliance or complaints. Through Edna’s imperfections, Chopin asserts to readers that liberation is not a prize to be earned, but it is a need that all people deserve. That is a lesson I won’t forget.
Edna’s journey of self-discovery is a testament to the enduring human desire for self-determination. As Edna walks along the beach in the novel’s last scene, I didn’t view the ending as a surrender of her dreams. Rather, it was the final rejection of societal expectations, declaring that her autonomy was hers alone. I admire her zeal as she consistently chose herself. Every time Edna was offered a chance to return back to her simple life, she refused and persisted forward.
Regardless of what critics initially said about The Awakening, I am certain there were women who immediately recognized themselves in Chopin’s story. More than a century later, there are still readers, like me, who connect with the novel’s themes of identity and freedom. Edna’s tale may be over, but the struggle against societal expectations is still an ongoing issue. Ultimately, Kate Chopin’s legacy is not only measured through her contribution to feminist literature, but also in her ability to connect a community that resonates with the idea that self-expression is worth pursuing, even in the presence of societal pressures.
Katherine Ramos is a junior at Scholars Academy in Conway, SC. She serves as the president of her school’s Creative Writing Club and loves to spend her time reading members’ submissions to writing competitions. During the weekends, she works with kids at her church, playing with them and, more importantly, reading stories to them. Outside of reading and writing, she enjoys consuming art, listening to music, and taking in nature. Katherine hopes to contribute more to the writing community in the future.
National English Honor Society
The National English Honor Society (NEHS), founded and sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, is the only international organization exclusively for secondary students and faculty who, in the field of English, merit special note for past and current accomplishments. Individual secondary schools are invited to petition for a local chapter, through which individuals may be inducted into Society membership. Immediate benefits of affiliation include academic recognition, scholarship and award eligibility, and opportunities for networking with others who share enthusiasm for, and accomplishment in, the language arts.
America’s first honor society was founded in 1776, but high school students didn’t have access to such organizations for another 150 years. Since then, high school honor societies have been developed in leadership, drama, journalism, French, Spanish, mathematics, the sciences, and in various other fields, but not in English. In 2005, National English Honor Society launched and has been growing steadily since, becoming one of the largest academic societies for secondary schools.
As Joyce Carol Oates writes, “This is the time for which we have been waiting.” Or perhaps it was Shakespeare: “Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer . . .” we celebrate English studies through NEHS.
National English Honor Society accepts submissions to our blog, NEHS Museletter, from all membership categories (students, Advisors, and alumni). If you are interested in submitting a blog, please read the Suggested Guidelines on our website. Email any questions and all submissions to: submit@nehsmuseletter.us.
