the awakening

Some critics view Edna’s suicide at the end of the novel as a failure to complete her escape from convention --an inability to defy society once stripped of the devotion of a man by her side. Others view Edna’s suicide as a final awakening, a decision to give herself to the sea in a show of strength that defies social expectation.--Although both theories about Edna’s suicide are good, I prefer to think of it as a final awakening to freedom, because of all the things that she has to go through in order to achieve this goal which will lead her to be her own self.
Throughout the entire novel Edna undergoes a transformation from an obedient housewife to person who is alive with strength, character and emotions which she no longer has to hide. This metamorphosis is shaped by Edna’s surroundings. Edna’s behavior is more shocking and horrifying to her because of her position in Grand Isle society. It is that very position that makes her feel restrained and makes her rebel a...