The Awakening by Kate Chopin

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A theme in which plays an important part in the novel, The Awakening, is that choices have inevitable consequences. This is connected with Realism because a big belief in Realism is; ethical choices are often the subject, character is more important than action and plot. In multiple cases in this novel, the reader sees the type of choices the characters make and the effects and outcomes that follow after them. Also in some ways, people change their personality and their change in character adds a part in their future. Leonce choice of how he views Edna and he treats her have an effect on him and consequences on and her. Edna is a big part of this novel being the main protagonist and all of her ethical choices that have an enormous consequence on her. Some of these choices are, wanting to be with Robert, to follow the path of Mademoiselle Reisz and becoming an artist, and ultimately deciding to take her life. One person who displays a perfect example for the theme, “Choices have inevitable consequences” is Leonce. Leonce is portrayed as the perfect husband of his time. He is rich, and is a good care taker for Edna. However, Leonce is not just all about positive things; just like anyone else he has his ugly side. Leonce is a wealthy man and is very possessive with his items. This is exactly how he thinks of Edna, as a valuable trophy and is extremely possessive of her. Leonce does not see, in his eyes, his wife in a way as he should. He treats Edna as property and expects her to obey him and be obedient just like a dog. “Looking at his wife as one looks at a valuable piece of per property which has suffered some damage” (Chopin 7). This quote is taken from the novel and the narrator describes perfectly the way Leonce views Edna; as... ... middle of paper ... ...that take a huge effect on Edna, the reaction being Edna taking her life. These ties in with the main theme that the characters ethical decisions create huge consequences and their actions and decisions are bigger than the plot. In conclusion, a theme in which plays an important part in the novel, The Awakening, is that choices have inevitable consequences. This is connected with Realism because a big belief in Realism is; ethical choices are often the subject, character is more important than action and plot. As the reader can see, there are many examples of how realism can be connected with the main idea of this novel. The novel shows the choices the main protagonist makes and the effects they play in the novel. Also, the choices are bigger and are the basis of the novel rather than a plot. Works Cited Chopin, Kate. The Awakening. New York: Avon, 1972. Print.

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