"There are some people who leave impressions not so lasting as the imprint of an oar upon the water"---Kate Chopin.
Throughout her life, Kate Chopin had many female influences. She benefited from having many female mentors, whether they were strong and independent widows in her family or the nuns of her school. Her father died only four years after her birth, putting her in a matriarchal household. Chopin grew up surrounded with tragedy. When she was eleven, her beloved great-grandmother whom she was extremely close too, died. That same year, her half-brother died fighting in the Civil War. .
Throughout her life, Kate Chopin became an independent and successful writer, creating opportunities on her own. Although she had no political career, she was instrumental in the push for suffrage. Her book, The Awakening deals with the condition of women in marriages during the late nineteenth century. .
Edna Pontellier is the focal point in the book for feminism. Throughout the book, she struggles in her quest for personal fulfillment. Her independence begins to shine through as she pulls away from her husband, and begins to build her own "social credit". It starts with Edna meeting Madame Adele Ratignolle and Robert Lebrun. She quickly falls in love with Robert. She eventually moves to New Orleans, and begins an affair with Alcee Arobin. She moves in by herself and continues to profess her love for Lebrun. .
The lack of respect of Edna (with regards to her gender) is imminent throughout the book. Edna's venture into ocean at night after the Ratignolle's party seems to be a high point in her search for independence. She displays her new found hobby in front of her friends. Everyone watches her swim into new, unknown area in the water and also finds a new part of herself. She is now "awakening" to her independence and female capabilities, aside from cleaning and cooking. Later that night she says no to Leonce and will not follow him inside.
