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Edna's Awakening Analysis

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This passage is where Edna’s “awakening” begins in the text as she starts to go against the role of an obedient housewife. She realizes that she does not want to be a meek woman who obeys her husband without question and in light of this change, she starts to cry. Chopin uses similes to capture how empty Edna feels inside due to how her husband treats her. She feels trapped not only by her husband, but by society as Chopin shows that it is her “Fate.” Chopin's attention to water in the background of this scene is meant to be a symbol which shows how Edna strives to be a free like the ocean instead of being hidden by

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