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Allusions In The Awakening

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The Awakening written by Kate Chopin, is a novella about a woman named Edna, who desires to be an independent woman and break free from the typical 1800’s mold of society. Allusions are used to show how the characters behave and are affected by their surroundings and emotions. Throughout the story, Chopin uses them to connect the characters to the plot and make each scenario recognizable to the reader. “The foamy wavelets curled up to her white feet, and coiled like serpents about her ankles. She walked out. The water was chill, but she walked on. The water was deep, but she lifted her whole white body and reached out with a long, sweeping stroke. The touch of the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace.” (Chopin, 87) This quote is a biblical allusion to baptism. In Christianity, baptism is a cleansing or rebirth. Edna was fully submerged in her awakening. She didn’t want to go back, she had already come so far. “All her beautiful hair...drawn back and plaited. It lay in a long braid on the sofa pillow coiled like a golden serpent.” (Chopin, 121) This is another …show more content…

Music alludes to the main theme of The Awakening as well as Edna’s personal awakening arousing new feelings. “Her playing had aroused a fever of enthusiasm. What passion! WHat an artist! I have always said no one could play Copin like Mademoiselle Reiz! That last prelude! Bon Dieu! It shakes a man!” (Chopin, 41) Author Kate Chopin uses pianist Frank Chopin to allude to herself as a great author, a compliment within her work. “...comprehend the significance of life, that monster made up of beauty and brutality” This is an allusion to Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Victor had experienced the same “significance of life” and beauty when his creation came to life. However, he also experienced the brutality of his creation as the consequence of playing

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