Symbols In Kate Chopin's The Awakening

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A symbol is an object, event, or person that represents an idea or set of ideas. Oftentimes, authors insert them into literary pieces to enhance the content or provoke readers to analyze the text thoroughly. Various symbols are incorporated throughout novels, such as: birds, children, the ocean/swimming, colors, and clothing. All of these representations can be found within The Awakening, however, author Kate Chopin introduces the ocean/swimming as a primary symbol. This is significant to the literary work since it represents her freedom, the dilemma to conform to societal expectations, and her awakening.
Many times throughout The Awakening, Edna Pontellier escapes to the ocean in an attempt to find relief from her struggles. Therefore, the

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