ABSTRACT

The Awakening is American writer Kate Chopin’s masterwork. It describes a married young woman named Edna who rejects the traditional role of mother-woman and pursues personal freedom and independence. After her awakening, Edna ends her pursuit in death. 

The thesis includes five parts. The introduction presents general critical opinions about the critical reputation of Kate Chopin and The Awakening. The second chapter makes an overview of the research results at home and abroad. The third chapter elaborates factors urging Edna’s awakening and explores the process of Edna’s awakening. The conclusion draws people’s attention to today’s sexual discrimination and the conflict between women’s inner world and restraint outside society.  

Key words：The Awakening; Edna; physical; spiritual

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One  INTRODUCTION-1

1.1 Introduction to the author-1

1.2 Introduction to the novel.1

Chapter Two  LITERATURE REVIEW-3

Chapter Three STEPS OF EDNA’S AWAKENING-4

3.1 Physical Awakening.4

3.1.1. the surrounding4

3.1.2. Edna’s relation with Arobin.5

3.2 Spiritual Awakening.7

3.2.1 the effect of music8

3.2.2 Edna’s love for Robert9

3.3 Awakening and Death10

3.3.1 the charm of the sea .11

3.3.2 the implication of death.12

Chapter Four  CONCLUSION-14

WORKS CITED-15