Exploited people in the world have always had struggles in finding their voice. People must know what they are fighting for in order to make it known to others. This battle is delicately illustrated in Kate Chopin's novel, The Awakening. The main character, Edna Ponellier, fights throughout the story to try and discover her own self and voice. She does this by taking advantage of enlightening events, pursuing her individual talents, and by leaning on the support of others. The controversial ending of the novel is Edna's final step on her road to individualism. Edna developes herself throughout the book and becomes a symbol of women fighting for and achieving their goal .
Throughout the novel, there are particular situations that make Edna start thinking about who she is and who she wants to be. For example, when Mademoiselle Reisz first plays the piano for her, "she trembled, she was choking, and the tears blinded her" (Chopin 48). That was the first time that Edna had been truly moved by music. When Edna is back home, she still seeks Mademoiselle Reisz's music to touch her soul: .
There was nothing which so quieted the turmoil of Edna's senses as.
a visit to Mademoiselle Reisz. It was then, in the presence of that.
personality which was offensive to her, that the woman, by her.
divine art, seemed to reach Edna's spirit and set it free. (Chopin 101).
Mrs. Pontellier first experiences the feeling of freedom when Robert finally teaches her how to swim:.
A feeling of exultation overtook her, as if some power of significant.
import had been given her to control the working of her body and.
her soul. She grew daring and reckless, overestimating her strength. .
She wanted to swim far out, where no woman had swum before. (Chopin 49).
Edna's first spark of rebellion is aimed towards Mr. Pontellier, her husband. When he insists, one night, that Edna come inside and go to bed she refuses to move.