Feminist Critical

Theory in The
Awakening

By Jake and Abir

What is feminist critical
theory?
• The feminist critical theory is a branch of critical
theory that focuses on the critique and observation
of gender-based inequalities and power dynamics
within societal structures.
• It emerged as a part of the broader feminist
movement and strives to understand and challenge
the ways in which gender may influence social,
political, economic and cultural systems.
• It also analyses how gender roles, norms, and
expectations contribute to perpetuate inequality,
discrimination and oppression
How does it link to The
Awakening?

Edna Pontellier, the protagonist of the book, serves

to challenge traditional gender roles and
expectations.
• Edna rebels against her role as a wife and mother and seeks for autonomy
and self-discovery. Through her role, she illustrates her dissatisfaction with
her place as a wife and mother expressing the broader societal constraints
placed on women.
• Edna's exploration of her sexuality shown through her affairs with Robert
and Arobin, expresses her pursuit for passion outside the confines of
marital conventions and further aligns with the feminist element of sexual
liberation. In the book the sea serves as a means for this sexual liberation
illustrated by her awakening which serves to conflict with the conventions
of a wife.
• Edna rejects the idea of conventional motherhood, conveying her inability
to conform to societal expectations of the ideal mother. This challenges the
notion that a woman's primary role is to be a self-sacrificing caregiver. This
can be seen as a rebellion against the societal norms that dictate women's
lives.
How does it link to The
Awakening?

• Madam Ratignolle and Edna's relationship is complex, through Ratignolle's

embodiment of traditional motherhood. Ratignolle is a supportive friend to
Edna, proving her with guidance and reassurance, highlighting the solidarity
among women even when their choices differ. However, Edna's, the
protagonist, choice of rejecting the marital role despite this serves to
challenge this traditional form of solidarity.
• Mademoiselle Reisz and Edna's connection is crucial to her awakening and
therefore crucial to the rejection of societal conventions of a woman in the
book. Reisz is a talented pianist who is an unconventional and independent
woman who does not conform to societal norms. She becomes a mentor and
confidante to Edna, encouraging her to pursue her sexual liberation and
therefore the rejection of her societal role. This relationship between Reisz
and Edna, emphasizes the idea that woman can come together, even if it is to
deviate from gender norms, going against the societal constraints set on
woman during that time.
Symbolism of the sea in
relation to feminism:
• The sea is a recurring symbol throughout the novel, for
example throughout the development of the relationship
between Robert and Edna or even when Edna experiences
her eventual downfall and tragic fate.
• The sea could be symbolic of freedom and independence.
Enda’s interactions at the sea coincide with moments of
personal awakening and rebellion against societal
constraints. The vastness of the sea could be symbolic of
greater opportunity outside the limitations a patriarchal
society imposes upon women.
• The sea may also be symbolic of an escape from societal
norms. Edna’s attachment to the sea could be representative
of her yearn to break free from the confinement of her
marriage and motherhood.