EDNA’S AWAKENING: A JOURNEY FROM SLAVERY TO FREEDOM AND TO DESTRUCTION

The oppressed and suppressed female figure in a male-dominated society has been a case of debate since the beginning of human history. Although it is unfortunate that women and men experience the imposed duties inevitably, what and why they are obliged to do is a topic of controversy. Traditionally, men go to work, earn money, whereas women stay at home, take care of the house, and look after of children. The reason why such daily routines are regarded as a customary task is religious morality and culture in the background of society. Kate Chopin deals with the situation of the female figure in The Awakening. There, Edna Pontellier, the female protagonist of the novel, is depicted as a dynamic character, who gradually becomes aware of the dictates of the society represented by her husband and family institution. She has children to look after, a husband to satisfy, a house to take care of, and a patriarchal society to serve. In this article, the case of Edna is examined with a view to gender roles, especially defined according to Third Wave Feminism.