Through the course of the book, Edna makes a very obvious transformation from timid, subservient housewife to a very bold, slightly brash, woman of her own opinions and identity. In her way, she comes into the light. The idea of an awakening is represented by several things-- a sexual awakening, a discovery of herself and what she wants from life, a rejection of what is traditionally expected of a woman. It is revealed through this literary device of references to light too. She begins in darkness and expecting that others remain there as well (her children) because it is what is safe and what is proper. Through the story though, she begins to enjoy being outside more, being in the open air, away from porches and instead in the sun. She spends time with her children on the farm. And ultimately, at the height of her awakening, she sheds all of her layers, everything that was ever holding her back, and experiences the light truly for the first time. She lets her whole being feel what it's like to be free.
I had not made this connection and the references to light while reading this book, yet what you say has much truth to it. Chopin clearly sees the awakening as a stepping out from the darkness and she does capture it through Edna's actions. The image of Edna soaking in all the true light of the sun before her death is a vibrant one and fully captures her "awakening".
ReplyDeleteI think it was a good idea to use the idea of "light" in the book. I did not think of this way and now I would like to read again to see how I would think about the idea!!
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