Symbols of Oppression in the First and Final Passages of Chopin’s The Awakening

Symbols of Oppression in the First and Final Passages of Chopin’s The Awakening

The presence of birds in the first passage of The Awakening seems to foreshadow some of the characteristics of the protagonist. It is rather interesting that the parrot is outdoors, while the mockingbird is inside. Perhaps this would represent the presence of opposites in this novel. The parrot seems to be provoking the mockingbird in order to get some sort of response. This seems to point to the presence of loneliness which the protagonist feels. However he is being rather anti social by stating “Allez vous-en! Alez Vous! Saprisit! That’s all right!” I may be wrong, but I believe that means “Go Away! Go Away! Damn it” in French. This altercation between the parrot and the mockingbird could point to the presence of a jealous conflict within the characters. On the surface it seems that the parrot is rather agitated that the mockingbird, a bird that is generally found outdoors, is inside while the parrot, a domesticated pet is kept outside. Ironically though both birds are actually trapped with the parrot being held in the cage and the mockingbird being trapped indoors. The cage symbolizes being trapped whether literally or figuratively. Also the presence of characters that are not understood by their surroundings might shed some light on the inner conflict of the novel. It is also useful to point out that the parrot, a bird which mimics it’s surroundings is being mimicked by a bird which also mimics, such as a mockingbird. The may point to the possible presence of a theme of mimicry in this novel.

The final passage possesses symbols which represent freedom and terror. The tone of this passage is one of personal closure for the protagonist. The is an emphasis upon voices throughout this passage, especially with the presence of the voices of her father and sister. It is hard to tell if the protagonist felt any true regret as she sank. It seems more like she is relieved. It is also possible that she felt as though no one could possibly understand her. There is an emphasis upon with masculinity and femininity in this passage. The “spurs of the calvary officer” clanging across the porch symbolize the strong masculine presence in the novel. It is possible that this strong masculine presence was what oppressed the protagonist, driving her to suicide. Directly after the strong masculine line is a very feminine one, “There was the hum of bees, and the musky odor of pinks filled the air”.