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aricamats 's review for:
The Awakening
by Kate Chopin
3.5 stars
What I liked:
The Awakening has some really powerful moments. The writing is quite evocative, and the way Edna’s inner world is described, especially how she feels about being a mother, feels surprisingly honest and ahead of its time. I can only imagine the stir it must’ve caused when it came out in the late 1800s. I want to think it made some women feel seen and maybe even gave them a little hope that they weren’t alone in feeling stuck or out of place in their roles. It’s bold for its time, and I respect that a lot.
What I didn’t like:
That said, the story drags in places. Edna’s awakening is interesting, but it ends up feeling too focused on her love for Robert. Isn’t there more to waking up than falling for someone new? The ending, even though it’s famous and dramatic, felt kind of like a letdown. It almost sends the message that women who want more out of life are doomed; which feels like the opposite of empowering. It makes me wonder: was this story really encouraging women to break free, or warning them not to try? :/
What I liked:
The Awakening has some really powerful moments. The writing is quite evocative, and the way Edna’s inner world is described, especially how she feels about being a mother, feels surprisingly honest and ahead of its time. I can only imagine the stir it must’ve caused when it came out in the late 1800s. I want to think it made some women feel seen and maybe even gave them a little hope that they weren’t alone in feeling stuck or out of place in their roles. It’s bold for its time, and I respect that a lot.
What I didn’t like:
That said, the story drags in places. Edna’s awakening is interesting, but it ends up feeling too focused on her love for Robert. Isn’t there more to waking up than falling for someone new? The ending, even though it’s famous and dramatic, felt kind of like a letdown. It almost sends the message that women who want more out of life are doomed; which feels like the opposite of empowering. It makes me wonder: was this story really encouraging women to break free, or warning them not to try? :/