SRUSHTI KAMBLE
DOI: https://doi.org/“I would give up the unessential; I would give my money; I would give my life for my children; but I would never give up myself,” utters Edna Pontellier in Kate Chopin’s The Awakening. This statement by Edna reflects Chopin’s explorations of New Woman who dare to flout the expectations of the world, but who also falter in their attempts to embody autonomy fully. This research looks into how Chopin writes about characters such as Edna who represents the notion of a new woman blooming in the 19th century. As women began to establish their voices this novel was a subtle satirical attack on the restrictions imposed against them. Using a feminist lens, this research will take a glance back to a leading point in literary and social history to again illuminate the struggles for identity and autonomy in terms of traditional gender roles.
