Relationship Between Art And Art In Kate Chopin's The Awakening

In Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, there are a multitude of elements that highlight the suppressive standards that women were expected to meet. However, one of the most interesting aspects of the novel is Chopin’s development of the relationship between art and the artist, as documented through not only the protagonist, Edna, but also other characters throughout the story. While the relationship of artistry might seem trivial in comparison with the other themes of the plot, Edna’s interactions with her art fosters her passion for freedom, challenges the socio economic role of women, and questions the definition of what makes an artist. Before readers analyze Edna’s dependency and relationship with art, it is crucial that one understands her state of mind and her attitude towards her life. Edna reveals that she is suffering from “an indescribable oppression” that often overtakes her in a fashion that is “strange and

Initially, Edna becomes acquainted with Madame Reisz through the art form of music. Before Madame Reisz begins playing at Madame Lebrun’s summer house, Edna shares that she is “very fond of music” and would often see “material pictures” of various themes and people when chords on the piano were played (Chopin 71). However, as Madame Reisz plays several pieces, Edna no longer visualizes the emotions of others, but is moved by her “very passions themselves” (Chopin 72). Thus, Chopin demonstrates that music, and other art forms for that matter, can help characters like Edna realize their own individual longings, rather than detached ideals that are often implanted in the mind. While this initial encounter with Madame Reisz alone demonstrates the influence of art, it is what Madame Reisz says to Edna that solidifies the true meaning of what art