Symbolism of Birds in The Awakening

Just like birds, they are protective of the ones they love, and would do anything for them, but they do not do for themselves. They have beautiful wings but they are imprisoned. The women's only duty is to sustained the roles of a wife and mother, and have their wings only to be looked and glimmered upon, but never to fly and show its wings to society. Chopin states, "Esteemed it a holy privilege to efface themselves as individuals and grow wings as ministering angels"" (14). Therefore, they are confined to this existence because their only purpose in life is to uphold family tasks and responsibilities. .
             As an escape from her former life as a mother and wife, Edna finds herself moving into another house she can call her own, "The Pigeon House"." But what she does not realize at the moment is she has just put herself in another cage. When talking to Madame Reisz, Edna tells her she will be moving "just two steps away"" (113). Edna feels that by moving, she will gain a sense of control over her life and independence as an individual, but she is still found suck within a cage where she cannot completely fly away from the society which she is living in. With the move, Madame Reisz educates Edna that in order for her to find what she wants and needs in life; she must have the courage and strength to do so. "She put her arms around me and felt my shoulder blades, to see if my wings were strong"" (119). The Pigeon House is supposed to give Edna her freedom and insouciance but with Madame Reisz, informing Edna on her own difficulties, knows Edna will be able to overcome the struggles she is facing, but it is not going to be an easy battle; for she says, "The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings. It is a sad spectacle to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth"" (119). She wants to see Edna succeed with the choices she has made, but does not want to see her become broken from them.