1.) Chastain, Emma. Literature. New York: Spark Publishing, 2004.
This book is a collection of a simple narratives regarding variety of stories which is known in the diligence of literature. In the section specifically designated for the written work of Kate Chopin “The Awakening” a short summary with regards to the book is provided thus making the reader understand some points in order to relate to the themes which is discussed in the book. In addition, there is a short narration of the life of Kate Chopin which creates a background for the readers. The conditions and environment of the author makes the readers understand the reason for the literary work of any author. In addition to this, key facts, feminist perspective, symbolisms, themes, characters and their backgrounds, as well as the most important quotations found in the whole novel. All these are provided in less than 10 pages of this book thus; helping students in full understanding the novel in various perspectives in a concise manner. This compilation of specific highlighted parts of the novel makes it readers understand that feminism is the main theme of the story.
2.) Chopin, Kate, and Sandra M. Gilbert. The Awakening and selected Stories. New York: Penguin Group, 1984.
This volume is the mixture of the written work of Kate Chopin and the perspective of Sandra Gilbert who have written the introduction. The introduction is very conducive for those that desire to discover the history of the very controversial novel “The Awakening” which had started as a poem called “The Haunted Chamber” which was first published to the society before the novel was launched. The poem’s theme leads to the concept of the rights of women in different aspects of life. However, the theme of both literatures pertains to the sexual awakening of women which is very much a taboo during those times. In addition to this, the novel was not closely seen as a master piece or even an artwork thus a critic stated that, “The novel leaves one sick of human nature”, while other stated that “it is not a healthy book” (Chopin and Gilbert 8). Thus, many authors disgust the writing of Chopin neglecting the beauty which is appreciated by many people during the current era. The scandalous statements in the story covered the beauty of the writing which Chopin had made. Due to the ravaging statements provided by reviews the moral of Chopin went down and lost her confidence. Moreover, the whole introductory part pertains to the personal life of Chopin as a wife, and a writer.
3.) Chopin, Kate. “The Awakening: The Electronic Edition.” 1998. Documenting the American South University of South Carolina. 31 March 2009 <http://docsouth.unc.edu/southlit/chopinawake/chopin.html>.
This website provides the specific novel which could also be read in the book. For readers who are interested in reading the book without buying it. The text is the same with those that were found in the book for the reason that the website also added page numbers in order to guide the readers to seek their page numbers even without owning a book. This electronic copy if very useful for those that have laptops or wireless lan connected to their mobile phones. Through accessing such websites, the written work of Kate Chopin is evidently read by individuals who are on the go and on a low budget.
4.) Chopin, Kate, Nina Baym, and Alyssa Harad. The Awakening and Selected Stories of KateChopin. United States: Pocket Books, 2004.
The introduction of the book provides the readers a significant background in order to prepare the readers for the important parts of the book. The introductory part highlights the important aspects which first time Chopin readers must be able to understand. In the following parts, Chopin’s life is chronologically from the time she began to be an author until her death. The author’s personal life is also included in the book which makes the readers understand the main ideas of the author for writing the story. Accordingly, the era of the author is fully understood, therefore developing an imagination for the readers which are set during those times. Further more, the book provides significant events which entangle the book in different historical events which makes it more significant in seeking the societal situation of the earlier American nation.
The book presents the key theme of the story and points of the plot which assists the readers create their own interpretation of the symbolisms, the scenes of the story, the society, the environment and the likes during those era. Besides such information, detailed explanations are provided which immediately clarifies different points in the book. In addition to this, critical analysis for various contemporary literature authors are provided thus, the readers sees a different perspective other than the previous writers. More importantly, this book suggests varying sources that would enhance the readers’ interest and experience. Such sources are other books, films and the likes.
5.) “The Awakening.” 1 April 2009. KateChopin.org. 1 April 2009 <http://www.katechopin.org/the-awakening.shtml>.
The website provides different facts regarding Kate Chopin’s written works. The organization had made a link which is designated only for all the concerns regarding the novel Awakening. Any one who is interested in the unknown facts of the novel would be able to read variety of information regarding the story and the controversies which Chopin had to face due to women issues she raised. Most of those issues were inappropriate for the perspective of people therefore, her literary career lead to a downfall. Although after her death, her works were revitalized and appreciated most especially the feminists’ organizations and advocates who admire her courage and openness to such topics. Thus supporting the publishing and launching of the book and her other works. The facts provided includes a question and answer section which focuses on the factual portions of publishing of the book as well as the different themes of the book. Additional related sources are provided for those who are interested in further readings.
6.) Madsen, Deborah L. Feminist theory and literary practice. Virginia: Pluto Press, 2000.
This book focuses on the concepts of feminism in literary works. Since the novel highlights the needs of women and women’s rights, the information provided in this source enhances the information and the novel’s attachment to feminism. Through feminism the understanding of women’s needs in various aspects most especially sexual desires. The book focuses that maternity is much stronger than the duties of paternity thus exploring different psychological development of the character which is also explored in the novel. The character Edna Pontellier is said to have enacted the feminine version of oedipal crisis where in the character is “caught between imaginary and symbolic orders, she rejects her patriarchal gender identity but she is unable to embrace the feminine except in death” (Madsen, 108). Accordingly, the concepts utilized are a combination between lyricism and realism while developing the main character’s emotions and perspectives. One example is the symbolism of the sea, the music, her eating sleeping and the likes are all relevant in building the personality of the main character. In the end, the spotlight of this book is a psychological analysis on the character as well as the narration of Chopin. Through
Works Cited
Chastain, Emma. Literature. New York: Spark Publishing, 2004.
Chopin, Kate, and Sandra M. Gilbert. The Awakening and selected Stories. New York: Penguin Group, 1984.
Chopin, Kate. “The Awakening: The Electronic Edition.” 1998. Documenting the American South University of South Carolina. 31 March 2009 <http://docsouth.unc.edu/southlit/chopinawake/chopin.html>.
Chopin, Kate, Nina Baym, and Alyssa Harad. The Awakening and Selected Stories of KateChopin. United States: Pocket Books, 2004.
“The Awakening.” 1 April 2009. KateChopin.org. 1 April 2009 <http://www.katechopin.org/the-awakening.shtml>.
Madsen, Deborah L. Feminist theory and literary practice. Virginia: Pluto Press, 2000.
