Struggling For Independence

One of the most curious facts of the last quarter of the nineteenth century was the evolution of the "new woman." Women representing all manner of social pleas, running the gamut of the extremes, sought a hearing upon the platform , in the pulpit, through the press, and in literature (1). Like many writers , American feminist writer Kate Chopin used her stories to ask and resolve questions - in her case, about marriage, motherhood, independence, passion, life and death. As Kate Chopin' s heroine in the Awakening, Edna Pontellier is not satisfied with the role of being a good mother and nice wife. She struggles to find and to assert her essential "self" within the cultural constraints of late 19th century America. Based on the factors which aroused Edna s vitality, power of her sexuality, the exuberance of her spiritual being and her actions to experience a new sense of independence, of individual freedom and expression , the thesis analyses Edna' s corresponding sense of conflict and despair to liberate herself from these pressures by challenging her role as woman and seeking sensual awakening by constant struggles. However, her attempt is short- lived and destroyed by a male - oriented society that has no place for a self- determined, unattached woman. Women like Edna are awakening, they defy the socially prescribed roles and conventions for women. It is meaningful in our today s realistic world, we have to think over and seek the proper way to women s liberation. Kate Chopin' s willingness to fight with taboo issues was unusual in a woman writer of her generation and earned her a reputation for striking boldness. Edna is the forerunner for women' s liberation and she foretells and reflects the trend of new woman.