Statement of the Problem.
Kate Chopins The Awakening has been one of the most reviewed and evaluated fictions under the feminist genre (Telgen and Hile 3). The main character, Edna Pontillier has been perceived to represent a lot of women from different walks of life in several aspects. Because of this, the book has acquired positive remarks from literary critics and the readers themselves due to its ability to touch the varying emotional levels of female readers (Kniss). Its feminist nature as well as its literary qualities have also been scrutinized under the endeavor of evaluating Chopins prowess as a female author. However, although a lot of studies under this objective have already been done, it appears like insufficient analysis and evaluation in terms of psychological or psychoanalytic approaches are being done despite the stirring and implicative depiction of depression, bipolar disorder and schizoid tendencies in the novel. These themes have done a great impact to the overall message of the novel itself. These themes molded the main protagonists characters so well which made it easier for a lot of readers to relate to the story. This gap apparently rouses much interest regarding this approach. Clearly, an analysis on the psychoanalytic aspect of the novel shall explain a lot of unexplored aspects of Kate Chopins The Awakening. But in line with this objective, the realization of post modernisms significance to this kind of study shall also be tapped.
The succeeding discussion includes the methodology for this research. In this part of the discussion, the feminist and psychoanalytic orientation of Chopins The Awakening shall be analyzed and explored using several anticipated features of post modernism. Since the Freudian dn Lacanian psychoanalysis have been attacked by several feminist critics for their bias in terms of viewing women, the theories of Jung and Erikson shall be utilized instead. These theories appear to contribute a lot to a more precise interpretation of the lead character. These theories appear to treat women in a less hostile manner which appears very helpful a balanced and unbiased address of the issues relating to the characters personality. The interpretations of this study shall delve on the combination of these two approaches, for this combination provides a critical and decisive explication and analysis of the novel.
Post Modernism in Relation of the Psychoanalytic and Feminist Analysis of
Chopins The Awakening
Chopins The Awakening builds up a complex character in the personage of Edna Pontillier who has developed a lot of complexities when it comes to the decisions she had to make in her life. The presentation of Ednas character can be observed to focus on the feminist and gender-sensitive issues that the society was then facing during the novels publication. However, aside from this, Ednas character can also be seen to touch a lot of psychoanalytic concepts and themes which appear to parallel the social struggle that the society was then facing that involved social ideologies and equal rights issues (Sprinkle). These concepts involve the mid-life crisis theory and self discovery. The prevalence of these themes in the novel builds up the interest of conducting research and evaluation of the psychoanalytic exposure of the novel aside from its apparent feminist influence. However, in line with this analysis, it appears helpful to also scrutinize whether or not post modernism shall aid in this exploration.
Post modernism can be observed in a lot of works already. May it be in films, TV programs, song and even in novels, post modernism has been observed to grow more and more visible over the years. Post modernism has two distinct characteristics. For one, it is characterized by its non-realist and non-traditional nature. Aside from this, it also pertains to certain forms of art or literature that apply modernist concepts in a more extreme manner. And lastly, post modernism also pertains to a broader human condition (Keep, McLaughlin and Parmar). Considering these characteristics, it can be observed that in a lot of ways, post modernism as genre applies well to Chopins The Awakening.
There are several points where post modernism appear very applicable to the said novel. For one, the depiction of Ednas character and life in undeniable non-tradition and far from being a realist. Edna did not just commit way too many act of adultery, but she also appears to be a seemingly weird an non-traditional house wife. Some reviewers even tagged Chopins work as morbid, unhealthy and not wholesome because of the storyline (Toth 222). However, if a reader will just look deep into the characters emotions and thoughts, it can be realized that the characters actions appear to have a rather psychoanalytic bearing. Edna was presented as a woman in her mid life. Considering the dilemmas and personal issues that the character went through in the novel, it can be observed that these dilemmas appear in line with Jungs Mid Life Crisis theory. This theory suggests that whatever sides of the self were expressed in the persons youth, the opposite sides will prevail in the mid life (Cole 204). Moreover, Jung also proposed that in this process, individuation poses a significant function as it enhances ones identity which aids in the further development of the self. With regard to the depiction of Ednas character, this concept of the midlife crisis is apparent. As it appears, some aspects of Ednas personality were not exposed and realized during her youth. Because of this, some of her innermost desires have been suppressed, and this affected her life as an adult. However, aside from this, another theory expounds on the reasons and factors for Ednas emotional instability and depression. Eriksons theory on the Midlife stage of a womans development almost touched a completely similar ideal with that of Jung. As per Eriksons theory, ones youth has a considerable bearing to his or her life behavior and attitude as an adult. This is apparently similar with previously discussed theory of Jung. However, Eriksons theory emphasizes on the that some social institution embodies and codifies the positive outcome of each (developmental) stage, e.g., religious institutions embody the trust crisis of the first stage (Willems 123). If this claim by Erikson will be used as the basis in explaining Ednas actions and decisions, it can be said that aside from the repressed thought she carried from her youth, her depressed disposition as well as her hasty decisions may have also been influenced by other factors around her such as religious, societal, and political norms. Considering the two theories, it can also be deduced that Ednas depression and behavior might have also been affected by her age. Considering how Jung and Erikson regarded the mid life as one of the most complicated and problematic stages in human development, it may appear understandable that Ednas disposition may always appear confused and disoriented, and her behavior always hasty and illogical. Both theories also suggests that the effects of this midlife crisis may also take its toll on the other aspects of a womans life such as her marriage and family life which has been clearly portrayed in Chopins novel as well.
In looking at this story, the feminist ideology appears evident above all the other perspectives. However, in looking deeper into Chopins storyline, it can be seen that the feminism involved goes deeper into psychoanalysis (Madsen 108). With this, it means that feminist ideals are being tied together with concepts that deal with identity and discovering the self. In this story, it can be observed that most of Ednas thoughts and dilemmas have something to do with the maternity versus paternity issues as well as the problem of loss of identity. These issues were presented in such a way that the suppression of women are emphasized. In this story, feminism has been very apparent through the thoughts and dreams of Edna. But aside from this, the concepts which have also been very patent in this tale are the post modern themes that made the novel unconventional and quite alternative for traditional female readers. Considering all these observations as well as the abovementioned theories of Jung and Erikson, it appears clear the post modernism indeed holds significant bearing and association with the effects of midlife and identity crisis among women. This has been proven through the existent concepts and themes in the novel that appeared parallel with these theories. Hence, it can also be deduced that Kate Chopins The Awakening indeed possess postmodern exposure and inspiration.
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