There are many examples of symbolism used throughout the novel. Many are connected with the characters themselves. One example of this that is used throughout the novel is the idea of birds. The idea of caged birds is a reminder of the entrapment that Edna has to live through. The character Madame Lebrun has a parrot and a mockingbird. Some believe that these two animals represent Edna and Madame Reisz. Similar to the birds, the women feel as if their movements are restricted. Another idea of the caged birds is that Edna and Madame Reisz ar

Because these birds are incapable of flying they can only undergo the experience the life that has been made for them. As opposed to the idea of the parrot and the mocking bird, Chopin symbolizes strength and freedom with the idea of wild birds. One textual example is when Edna is encouraged by Mademoiselle Reisz to pursue her art. Mademoiselle Reisz examines Edna’s shoulder blades to make sure they are strong: “The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings.” (Chopin 110)

Chopin, Kate. The Awakening. New York: Marilynne Robinson, 1988.

e incapable of communication with the world.

Another very popular symbol in The Awakening is the idea of water. There are many different accounts in the book when water is significant, from the Gulf which Edna learned to swim to her final demise in the Sea. The use of water in the book is said to symbolize both freedom and escape. As a child she used her imagination to visualize the ocean. “The hot wind beating in my face made me think—without any connection that I can trace of a summer day in Kentucky, of a meadow that seemed as big as the ocean to the very little girl walking through the grass, which was higher than her waist. She threw out her arms as if swimming when she walked, beating the tall grass as one strikes out in the water. Oh, I see the connection now!" (Chopin 21) The wa

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