Mason Labash
English 48B
February 1, 2011
The Awakening Journal

“It was easy to know them, fluttering about with extended, protecting wings when any harm, real or imaginary, threatened their precious brood. They were women who idolized their children, worshipped their husbands, and esteemed it a holy privilege to efface themselves as individuals and grow wings as ministering angels”(p.540).

"The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings. " - Kate Chopin

This type of woman seems to be the supposed ideal wife of the time period. She offers nothing but untainted affection to her children and husband and is nothing but loyal during her entire tenure in this role. She would most definitely never question her purpose entailing that she would be completely content with it at all times. This type of woman is quite unrealistic in my opinion because I don’t believe any human being could be happy with their life when it is so restricted and defined.

This definition of a loving wife plays a very important role in society. It is perhaps what is expected of woman but very highly unattainable. It describes an individual that would kind of have to bottle up their emotions and keep them locked deep inside. In the context of this story where all women who are past their teenage years are married it is very important that their lives are given meaning because they are basically locked up in their homes. I understand that it’s important to care for your child, but you can’t properly care for a child when you feel trapped by your marriage and can’t really pursue your dreams and develop your talents. Also I don’t think sewing can really satisfy this longing either, but it seems that that is indeed the expectation.

The author, Kate is of course a woman and it is clear she is offering a feminist perspective on the matter. She is very familiar with this standardized role of women and can easily relate to someone in this position. Her voice and opinion really shine through when she says, “Esteemed it a holy privilege to efface themselves as individuals.” I love her use of the word “privilege “because she feels these women just could not be happier with their job and would love nothing more than to bury their individuality. How could someone be expected to devote their life to caring for children? Mothers don’t have to be watching over their children 24/7 to be considered good mothers.  I would expect her view to be that women who play into this role perpetuate the stereotypes of all women. I get the feeling that the main character, Edna, embodies many of the characteristics of Chopin. She cries alone, and cannot explain it and also leaves her children to go off to do their own thing. Her children get by just fine without the shadow of their mother’s wings constantly hanging over them. Her use of the word “angels” is a precise description of what these types of wives represent. An angel dwelling on earth is highly unrealistic, demonstrating that humans acting as angels are equally rare.

"Kate Chopin Quotes." Share Book Recommendations With Your Friends, Join Book Clubs, Answer Trivia. Web. 01 Mar. 2011. <http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/5132.Kate_Chopin>.