Thursday, October 14, 2010
It's all about Edna.
The Awakening, when it was published in 1899, was denounced and banned from bookstores and library shelves. Now, The Awakening has an important and permanent place in the American literature. I am puzzled here.. Can anyone help me out. Clear this cobwebs in my brain and clarify to me why is there such extreme reactions between now and then?
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Morning to Mdm Juridah and my dear coursemates~ Wow! How long has it been since we have discussion this way?
ReplyDeleteWell, in my humble opinion, the reason for the The Awakening or any books of this sort become a prominent literary text now is because it is the History of America itself. People today want to know what happened back then which is why they are digging up pieces of writings written with a highlighted message of certain issue to further support their History of how their country exist as the way it is with values and perceptions dominating the world these days. But people back then did not like these kinds of texts because THEY did not want to change and of course, like a grandmother grounding her teenage grandchild at home just because she is having her first boy encounter, the authorities banned such books in hopes that the society will remain as how it should be; aloof. What an irony that is.
The awakening highlights a clear message right from the start which is on women. Women, (I believe even until now within some uneducated communities or sometimes some educated ones choose to be so) are always viewed as the weaker gender, the one who always creates war and fighting ever since human knows what are the physical difference they have from men, the group who should by all means follow law and orders set by MEN in order not to create chaos. At least these are my opinions. So back to the reason why this book was banned but not now was because of the change in roles of women, the perception of the society today and the influence it has in understanding History.
During the late 1800s, America was facing the aftermath of the Civil War where men who went to become tough, gallant and patriotic soldiers return from war with a reason and experience that no one can use words to describe the horrors of it. During their hiatus from the domestic aspect of the society, women who were once viewed as the soft, demure gender whose core business in the society was giving birth and to teach the values of the social norms besides being on the beck and call of their chivalrous (if I may say so) husbands began to change. Forced to work to bring food back on the table, the women began to expose themselves to worldly issues, in touch with their emotions, wisdom and strength to build a better environment for their children. It’s a women’s instinct. So, they become more independent, they become more confident and feel the taste of freedom as it should be.
Nonetheless, back then, such a change is not welcomed; especially when women begin to question their traditional roles as a home maker when they know, they can contribute to the revolutions in America which were beginning by early 1900s. Back in history, we learned that an idea or new thoughts are best spread through media to create propagandas and accumulate more believers of such theories. And who best are absorbed to these theories than those young innocent minds of pre adult ladies (for men is the brainwashing to go for war in order to die in honour for their country) who were hungry for freedom and a new choice in life. Therefore, IMO, this book which sends a message for women to embrace their fight for freedom and to think that there is more to life than husband, children and kitchen was banned as not further pollute the already changing gender patterns in the society when it was first published in 1899.
ReplyDeleteSo why accepting it now? Today, we (women, thanks to the women’s rights activists) are considered equal in many aspects and opportunities which do not conform to physical attributes (ie: education, jobs, traveling etc). Of course, the role of reproduction is still there but on a different ground of mutual respect where women have a say, too. Having that thought in mind, people today not only are more open minded and acceptable towards various attitudes but are also more sensitive and considerate towards individual experiences in life (That’s why memoirs and non-fictions are best sellers in bookstores these days). The different perception of today’s society brings about the celebrated status of this book in American literature as a source to look back and see how it was for women compared to today.
These books which have a certain message written as an influence of the way society was at that time provides historical and cultural facts for people of today to make decisions. I am sure if we hear back stories of our grandmothers or ancestors, we will not want to go back to those times, right? Besides, we will also learn to appreciate many things as the result which we are going through now goes a long way back and it was not easy. Nonetheless, I believe that any actions in this world have to be taken AT THAT POINT OF TIME due to THAT POINT OF TIME’S happenings. In other words, we should not judge the actions taken but rather take it as part of a reason for contributing to what the world is today. Imagine is books like these are allowed freely back then, what would have happened to us now; not only in America but the rest of the world who mirrors everything that the Americans do. Hmmm…. :]
Dear Puan Juridah,
ReplyDeleteThe least obvious ending for Chopin to choose was the one she chose, suicide for Edna. Chopin develops the story in such a way that Edna has come to know herself, her true self, and does not need to continue living and searching. Kate Chopin's success as a writer plummeted after the release of The Awakening. It has been noted that contemporary critics were shocked at the way Chopin portrayed Edna Pontellier. Edna's character violated the codes of the behavior of nineteenth-century American women. The criticism became so bad the The Awakening was banned and dropped out of sight for many generations. It was not until the 1960's that Kate Chopin was recognized as a writer with her own views. Elaine Showalter states Kate Chopin's literary evolution took her progressively through the three phases of the nineteenth-century American women's culture and women's writing. Kate .She was a strong-willed woman who discovered her independence, self-worth, inner strength and sexuality. In a time when wives were submissive and subservient, Edna breaks free of the confines of society's traditional role for women. Empowered by the realization that she can make her own decisions and act according to her will alone, not simply her husband's, her life becomes more fully real. It is then that she can also truly love. Edna had always been quietly rebellious and independent, but had slowly given in more and more to society's rules and the males in her life. She did not want to be seen and esteemed only for being a mother and proper woman. It was refreshing to see such a strong woman, especially considering the time period the novel was written, long before the times of civil or women's rights. Edna's happiness and freedom, her true self and being, are the most valuable things in the world to her. She does not want to be treated as a possession any longer. Edna's thoughts and actions were quite radical for the late 19th century, but many of the ideas from the novel still apply today, even in a time of supposed equality and freedoms. People must learn to look inward for true happiness; self-realizations and preservation. Today, people, women, tend to look outward for their contentment and acceptance, basing it on other people and material things. Kate Chopin and her character were attempting to break free of this a century ago.
Yap Hwei Ping
GS 25575
Good Morning Mdm. Juridah and Friends,
ReplyDeleteBy looking at the world literature we can find out that there were many similar situations. Something which seems not precious once will be priceless in the future. To find a reason for this dichotomy, we need to look at the situations socially, politically, religiously and from different points of view. The Awakening at its own time had been considered a taboo which wanted to destroy people’s beliefs and thoughts. At that time talking about personal feelings openly were not quite relevant let alone talking freely about desire and other hidden feelings. So it seems clear that the society will stand against such movement and does not let it grow. But gradually time passes and beliefs and values change and those which once were against the people’s beliefs become parts of everyday life. This is the matter of life, people and time. Time changes everything gradually and strongly. What we really lack in today’s world is consistent values and strong ideologies to lead us to the right way. The philosophy of life has changed and most of the people are not able to find their right way.
Mohammad Reza
(GS 25775)
Good morning to Mdm Juridah and all my classmate,
ReplyDeleteThis story was written and published before women in the United States had the right to vote. Women were expected to be pretty, silent, and run the household efficiently without complaint. They were expected to serve their husbands without resentment. All the women wore pearls and skirts while mopping the floor and made sure the house was clean, supper was on the table, and the pipe and slippers were ready for their husbands who worked so hard all day. "The Awakening" is among many works that awakened women all over the place to the fact that there is more to life than indentured servitude and domestic slavery. Aside from the ideas of independent women who are clever and able to write and express creative and thought-provoking ideas, she commits suicide at the end of the story. In order, time change everything as Reza said above.
Yew (GS 25354)
Good Day everyone,
ReplyDeleteThe author, Kate Chopin as we know had written many short stories and novels. All her novels focused on women/feminism around her society in the Victorian era. Chopin was often consider the first woman who wrote about feminism movement in the United States. “The Awakening” was a breakthrough for feminine view. It is said that her short stories were well received by many and also were published in many magazine in America. However, her novels were widely condemned and criticized as they portray about freedom for women and feminism which was not accepted in that era or society. In the 19th century, women were considered puppet, maid and child bearing machine.
The rejection of Chopin’s novel was because most critics gave negative feedback on her novels, although a few did praise her moves in the novels. The criticisms were mainly considered the novel were gloomy, unpleasant, poising other’s mind and disgusting.
In 1969, Per Seyersted in his biography said that, Kate Chopin had accomplished her mission by breaking new ground in American Literature. She was the first woman writer in America who addressed the truth of women and their suppressed life. Kate also wrote about moral treatment of sexuality, divorce and woman’s urge for existential authenticity. She is respected for her freedom and awareness towards women. Chopin’s ideas can be viewed as more than feminist in the 21st century which defines woman as simply “female”. Today, Kate Chopin is widely accepted in the list of famous American’s authors and her books are back to the shelves where they belong.
Hello Mdm Juridah and dear coursemate,
ReplyDeleteThese days Chopin is best known for her psychological novel The Awakening, (1899) which depicts a woman's search for spiritual and sexual freedom in the undeveloped society of America in nineteen century. When The Awakening appeared, critical and public indignation over the novel's message of freedom, Chopin to abandon her literary career and was terribly hurt by the reaction to the book. Like Edna, she paid the price for defying societal rules, and the novel itself was forgotten for several decades. Since the 1950s, however, serious critical attention has focused on the pioneering psychological realism, symbolic imagery, and artistic integrity of the work.
The Awakening is a woman’s needs to have the right to express herself and live freely versus the expectations of Victorian society and is the story of Edna Pontellier, with an awakened sense of independence that changes her life. The Awakening has focused on Chopin's view of women's roles in society. Chopin is today recognized as who discovered her independence, inner strength and sexuality, individual freedom, and the consequences of one's actions—themes and concerns important to many later American writers. While her psychological examinations of female protagonists have made The Awakening and several of Chopin's stories seminal works in the development of feminist literature.
Nowadays some people eager to know the historical events and cultural facts to explore their messages especially in the written literature. It is for knowing the values and perception of the previous generations. But people back didn’t want these kinds of texts because they afraid of changes and The Awakening underlined an obvious message right for the women from the beginning. People who were considered as the subordinates, home makers and the weak gender were exposed to the voice of freedom in The Awakening. Therefore, it was banned immediately to not change the females’ role in the society.
Now, females are viewed equal to males in many opportunities and aspects of life such as job, education, entertainments, travelling, and etc. so the story on is accepted. Chopin and other women’s rights activists modified the perception of the society on women and their roles. Women’s freedom, rights, happiness and self are the precious values in the world that should not be threatened. Women approximately have equal rights, can make their own decisions, act according to their willing, and be independent in most of the societies.
Best regards,
Vahideh
GS26717
Kate Chopin's book was not accepted by most people when it was first published probably due to issues that were considered taboo, one could not discuss about them in public such as adultery, independent ladies who paid more attention to themselves than to their husbands and children. In most cultures those days, women were thought to have limited intellectual powers, unable to think for themselves and weak. Thus when Chopin came up with a character like Edna it was a shock to everyone that someone actually dared to oppose the widely accepted norms and create a character who was prepared to leave her family and life of security just to feel independent and have an affair with a young man whom she found exciting and very much unlike her husband.
ReplyDeleteAlthough adultery is still unacceptable in today's society but Chopin's book provides us an insight of the the thoughts and feelings of the lives of women back then who were dominated and controlled by men, either their fathers, brothers or husbands and were not free to do what they liked. Chopin reveals that not all the women were content with the inability to make their own decisions andmany were not even able to get a better education. As Chopin says, people interpreted the changes in Edna being a result of her association with some highly educated women. This tells us that well educated women were frowned upon. Chopin reveals that even back then, not all women were happy noe willing to be exploited by men, many wanted to be treated as individuals such Edna wanted someone to listen to her, she didi not want to have to focus all her attention on her husband and children alone.
Santha GS26611
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDear Mdm Juridah and my classmates,
ReplyDeleteThe Awakening is the second and final novel written by Kate Chopin in 1899. Today, it is considered as an important work in feminist literature. Its main character- Edna- was a twenty-eight woman who began to release some of her views on how women should act. She discovered new-found freedom and liberation in this as she began to shed the layers of duty that society deemed appropriate. Although she had a husband, she connected with another man named Robert Lebrun. Finally, she found the world unable to contain her desires, and drowned herself in the sea. So, this novel encountered massive social disapproval in 1899 due to its portrayal of an independent woman who attempted to break out of her traditional role as a wife and mother. Many have believed that the sexual and scandalous events in the novel were cause for the majority of readers to ban it from the shelves of great literature. In that moment, a woman was considered the property of her husband; therefore, Chopin’s novel was scorned and ostracized for its open discussion of the emotional and sexual needs of women. Moreover, many critics found a tormented heroine as a distasteful subject for a ladies’ novel.
Nowadays, new generations more accepting of the notions of female sexuality and equality, praise the novel’s candid and realistic views and have found it to be informative about early American feminism. Modern critics have noted the book’s rich detail and imagery and find that its ironic narrative voice is a rich source for analysis. The Awakening has now earned a place in the literary canon for the way it uses these formal and structural techniques to explore themes of patriarchy, marriage and motherhood, woman’s independence, desire, and sexuality both honestly and artistically.
Best regards,
Saeideh
GS25784
Hi again everyone!...
ReplyDeleteWhy did The Awakening was banned when it was first published and now it has a prominent place in the world of literature?. This got me thinking … and in my opinion I felt that it is basically deals with the issue that the author Kate Chopin wants to put forth to the audience. The issue of feminism is clearly shown and discussed in this novel. Thus Chopin actually goes against the societal norms by discussing on this issue clearly in this novel when most people in that era do not want to talk about it. This is because they are scared to go against the societal rule that was set. It is also consider taboo to go against the rule that was set forth. They do not dare to change the rule that was set by the society because they are afraid of the judgment that they might receive. Chopin did it thus she was not accepted. Her book was not accepted as society could not accept the idea and the message that she brings forth. Each individual has their own rights to live according to their ways and are not subjected to the rule of the society. In The Awakening, Chopin tries to show that as human being we have desires. Thus, we have our right to choose the path that we want to live and not being suppressed with the norm of the society which does not bring satisfaction to us. Chopin shows that we just have to follow our heart guided by our mind not by society rules.
Besides that, the way that the novel is written where Chopin actually clearly portrays the female sexual desires to the audience. This is not a norm in during that time. This causes a rage among the reader as they feel Chopin as actually gone overboard in depicting the character. Feminism at that time was not really accepted as most women are subjected to the male dominance. Women were also subject to the societal rule and they should not break the rule that was set for them. So when Chopin actually wrote a novel that shows that the main character is rebelling against the rule that the society had set. She was not approved by many. Thus this novel was banned as most of them felt that Chopin is trying to poison the minds of young women to rebel and go against the rule that the society has set for them.
Now the novel is widely read because many have come to term with feminism. Males have realized that their female counterparts have equal roles in the society. Thus feminism is not a new thing. As Muhammad said, as time passes, values changes. This could be applied in The Awakening where as values changes, society comes in term with the novel and accept it as a piece of literary work. In addition, we are free to talk about our feeling s and we are free to mix around with anyone no matter whether it’s a woman or a man. We are able to share our thoughts and feeling on certain ideas without being confined to the societal rule. This opens our mind to many issues thus society today were able to see the relevance of the issues that were portrayed in the novel compared to 1800. Chopin is said to write ahead of her time so this causes her novel not to be accepted in that era but it is widely appreciated in this era.
ALICIA PHILIP
GS26579
Good afternoon to Madam Juridah and friends,
ReplyDeleteThe Awakening was published in 1899, and it immediately created a controversy. The Awakening has been reclaimed by late twentieth-century theorists who see Edna Pontellier as the prototypical feminist. A woman before her time, Edna questions the institution of marriage, (at one point she describes a wedding as 'one of the most lamentable spectacles on earth') [1] has sexual desires of her own, and becomes completely independent of her husband. The central purpose of this essay is to assess to what extent the figure of Edna Pontellier marks a departure from the female characters of earlier nineteenth-century American novels.
Society of the nineteenth-century gave a heightened meaning to what it means to be a woman. According to the commonly known 'code of true womanhood', women were supposed to be docile, domestic creatures, whose main concerns in life were to be the raising of their children and submissiveness to their husbands
However, we can observe how society's attitudes changed during the nineteenth century through the characters of the novels written at this time. At the beginning of the nineteenth-century, the character of Edna Pontellier disobeys completely the set codes of her society, and failing to find a place in that society escaped by means of suicide.
Kate Chopin was ostracised from society when The Awakening was first published. This was because her character, Edna made such a departure from the female characters of earlier nineteenth-century novels, which shocked and appalled her society. It would seem that, in the course of one century, we have moved from the perfect female character to the complete opposite, in the form of Edna Pontellier. This reflects the changing attitudes towards women's role in society, at least to some degree.
About thirty years after the publication of The Awakening came the release of Virginia Woolf's crusading novel A Room of One's Own, in which Woolf could be seen to have taken the ideas of Edna Pontellier further forward. Edna refuses to be seen as a possession, so she moves out of her grand, comfortable abode into 'the Pigeon House' where she can lead an independent life free from the restraints imposed upon her by her husband, and society as a whole. She strives to find a room of her own, yet towards the end of the novel, she realises that Robert will not follow her in her rebellion against the codes of their society, which would mean that she would live a solitary, and lonely existence, which turned out to be worse than death, in her mind.
Margaret Anthoney
GS26688
Good afternoon to Madam Juridah and friends,
ReplyDeleteThe Awakening was published in 1899, and it immediately created a controversy. The Awakening has been reclaimed by late twentieth-century theorists who see Edna Pontellier as the prototypical feminist. A woman before her time, Edna questions the institution of marriage, (at one point she describes a wedding as 'one of the most lamentable spectacles on earth') [1] has sexual desires of her own, and becomes completely independent of her husband. The central purpose of this essay is to assess to what extent the figure of Edna Pontellier marks a departure from the female characters of earlier nineteenth-century American novels.
Society of the nineteenth-century gave a heightened meaning to what it means to be a woman. According to the commonly known 'code of true womanhood', women were supposed to be docile, domestic creatures, whose main concerns in life were to be the raising of their children and submissiveness to their husbands
However, we can observe how society's attitudes changed during the nineteenth century through the characters of the novels written at this time. At the beginning of the nineteenth-century, the character of Edna Pontellier disobeys completely the set codes of her society, and failing to find a place in that society escaped by means of suicide.
Kate Chopin was ostracised from society when The Awakening was first published. This was because her character, Edna made such a departure from the female characters of earlier nineteenth-century novels, which shocked and appalled her society. It would seem that, in the course of one century, we have moved from the perfect female character to the complete opposite, in the form of Edna Pontellier. This reflects the changing attitudes towards women's role in society, at least to some degree.
About thirty years after the publication of The Awakening came the release of Virginia Woolf's crusading novel A Room of One's Own, in which Woolf could be seen to have taken the ideas of Edna Pontellier further forward. Edna refuses to be seen as a possession, so she moves out of her grand, comfortable abode into 'the Pigeon House' where she can lead an independent life free from the restraints imposed upon her by her husband, and society as a whole. She strives to find a room of her own, yet towards the end of the novel, she realises that Robert will not follow her in her rebellion against the codes of their society, which would mean that she would live a solitary, and lonely existence, which turned out to be worse than death, in her mind.
Margaret Anthoney
GS26688
Good Morning Mdm. Juridah and Friends,
ReplyDeleteI agree with all my friends I think that the reason is clear now, the society is changed and all people have changed their ideas and thought about woman. When the novel was banned people was afraid from changing the rules and believes that they are used to, they don't want to give the power to women, but time changed and all the thoughts are changed. people now are more educated and more open-minded, woman started to take high position and also women now can defend their own rights and express their own opinions without fear or shame. I think in the past men was the reason for the banning but now woman are the reason of bringing the awakening to life.
AHLAM
GS23730
Hi Madam Ju and friends...
ReplyDeleteI guess what was taboo then is not anymore now. Modernization takes place in the mentality and perception of people in everything. Even in television we see a lot of direct and implied sentiment of how women express themselves. Back then, the novel was considered immoral. The title is significant as it shows how people have been awakened by things that happen in life, be it small or big. It is not just about voicing out thought but also about voicing out what women desire in life.
And this was considered as immoral. Probably back then people were more immoral than today. (??)
The effect can be seen on her writing career. This is the only novel from Kate Chopin!! Could it be that the banning of the novel is also an act of oppressing women (mentally)?
Hasnor Eilina
GS25177
I mean, back then people people were more ethical and chaste than today.(??)
ReplyDeleteHasnor Eilina
GS25177
hi all,
ReplyDeletefor me there goes the issue of feminism where there are no important of the woman. they have no roles and anything that they do always being rejected.They cannot point out opinion, they cannot do things by themselves and it need to be proved by men. We can see this when The Awakening, was published in 1899, was denounced and banned from bookstores and library shelves. Everything that woman try to do was banned because men see that woman has no power and less education from the man. The egoism of man always control the woman back then but now, The Awakening has an important and permanent place in the American literature.This is because woman nowadays are educated and they know and now wake up holding their rights as woman.
Here shows that women has awakened from what things happened in life and i agree with Elina that it was a taboo now as we can see we are now living in a modern country and we also can see now there are women being as presidents to their country. it is not to show that woman is better than man but it is about woman now has fight for their own right same with the man.
norashikin,
GS25973
hi everyone...
ReplyDeletefuhh..finally i managed to get through this blog. Mmmm..regarding the topic above, ya..i do agree with most of you. I believe that the "taboo" has being the main reason why they banned the novel before. Modernization has definitely changed our belief as well as our mentality. Those time, women were significant to something weak and useless. It's totally different now. In this modernization era, people believe in the equal power between male and female. In most of the situation, female can perform or even better than male.It's a fact..we can never deny it. As the time changed, female are allow to express their feeling, belief and also their skills and ability.
regards,
Samsiah Abdullah
GS25353
Hellow people...
ReplyDeleteWell, I've had the opportunity of reading a couple of posts before constructing mine...so thanks for that. It's quite simple actually, I mean the banning of the script. The people who made decisions concerning what should reach the masses and what shouldn't was made by men, and at that time...'men' were diffrent. Besides that, I guess they couldn't accept the part where a female character was given so much importance and the decisions made by this character, actually forming a novel. The portrayal of Edna's character...as a woman with her own needs beyond her husband, would have caused an uproar. Edna lacked the general quality of a normal female, to fuss over her children, husband and the people around her. Edna, thought about herself, her needs...she grew a mind of her own and she executed the biddings of this mind without consulting a superior or a male character. And of course, the skinny dipping part. This was 1899...what else could a novel probably contain to get banned. "The Awakening" was a natural...
Good day Mrs Juridah & my fellow educators,
ReplyDeleteEach era comes with its own perceptive.
Therefore, during the era of ‘The Awakening’ ; women were expected to be dedicated wives and mothers, and follow specific social expectations. They were also expected to be pretty and serve their husbands without resentment.
However, Edna re-creates her life beyond that era, in terms that no body will understand her. As for me, Edna poses an important role in feminist literature…as a strong, independent woman, which derives as a role model Blossom in every personal that lives until today & ever.
At this era, women inspired in potential outcomes. It is the awakening of self-realisation, which directs to current attention.
Regards,
Kalpana Subramaniam
GS26643
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGood evening Pn Juridah and all
ReplyDeleteYes, this work was condemned in its time because of its sexual openness. At 19th century, kate Chopin was aiming to describe the world accurately, to show people the truth about the lives of women and men in American socciecty she knew. She was among the first American authors to write truthfully about women's hidden lives, about women's sexuality, and about some of the complexities and contradictions in women's relationships with their husbands. But now, the world changed entirely. It becomes much more open-minded societies, any one has the freedom and the rights to talk and write about whatever they feel, think, believe, see,….etc. so it is so naturally that people try to see, read what people in the last centuries have written. And try to republish it if it is not weak in its structures, themes, characters..etc.
To add on, as all of the comments before highlighted the fact that women in the past were living for others only :husband, children, parents, parents-in- law , etc. and they didn’t have the rights to talk about their own desires either sex or other. So when something out of that society’s believes and thoughts, the whole community will be against this new ideas maybe even women themselves because they may think the world will not change
This is what I believe.
All the best
kalthoum
Dear Puan Ju and all.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Eilina. Women were chasted during those era (if you have watched Robin Hood comedy version, Lady Marion was literary chasted!)but now women have the liberty to do what they want with their lifes and fashion..
So, that's the main reason why Chopin's writing was rejected at that time was because of the theme. She focused on women/feminism around the society which is considered to be taboo at that time since women were considered as doormats, housemaids and child bearing machine. What more it happened in the US, where they were supposed to be migrates from many high class European countries.
However, I feel that many of the criticisms were very personal as they considered the novels as having gloomy and unpleasant story lines which are poisoning other people esp. women's mind and this is considered as a disgusting act.
As time changes, so does people's reactions toward this kind of themes. Modernization has made people become more open-minded and realistic in embracing reality. Thus, modern writings have touched different themes which were considered to be sensitive before.
During 1899, women had been expected to manage the household in clear subordination to the male head and in a manner that was private and uncoordinated with the actions of other women. And I think men who used to think that they dominated the world banned this story because of their own propaganda. To make sure women will not know that they have the right to express themselves and live freely as what Edna has done. But now…We live in a changing world. Change is evident all around us. The adoption of new values, practices and institutions are all aspects of change and modernization. This being so, the people’s general attitudes to change as such are extended to modernism and new technologies in general — the electronic mail, other high tech equipment, television, new learning and teaching methods, female ordination, males plaiting their hair and wearing earrings, agitation for gay rights, or whatever. Women have come a long way since my Mothers time growing up more women is independent and working and living on their own. I think many men to be open and respecting of this for in the woman's power is the man’s power. That’s why The Awakening has an important and permanent place now.
ReplyDeleteHi Madam Juridah and my dear colleagues….Sorry for delayed.
ReplyDeleteIt is one of the earliest American novels that focuses on women's issues without condescension. It is also widely seen as a landmark work of early feminism. Through my reading it is true that The New York Times on July 6, 1902, reported that the Evanston, Illinois, Public Library had removed from its open shelves The Awakening and other books that the library board found objectionable (the article is on p. 9 of the newspaper).
In addition to that, The Awakening was particularly controversial upon publication in 1899. Chopin's novel was considered immoral not only for its comparatively frank depictions of female sexual desire but for its depiction of a protagonist who chafed against social norms and established gender roles. The public reaction to the novel was similar to the protests which greeted the publication and performance of Henrik Ibsen's landmark drama A Doll's House (1879), a work with which The Awakening shares an almost identical theme.
I do agree with Eilina and Cynthia, as time changes, The Awakening has an important and permanent place in the American literature because modernization has made people become more flexible and down-to-earth in reality.
Thank you.
Hazreen Binti Haji Abdul Hamid
GS24475
hi again n again..
ReplyDeleteThe novel awakening was banned for various reasons. It was published on 1899 where the society is controlled by men whereas women was supposed to obey the men and hold the responsibility as housewives. The reason why it was banned was because it portrays infidelity of a wife and how she leaves her family without repenting her actions. Edna chose to be an independent woman without holding any responsibilities. This action is against the societies' norms and that is why it was banned at that era.
However, nowadays, the novel is being accepted in the American Literature because the society has accepted woman's right as part of the society itself. Woman is no longer fully controlled by man now and man are becoming more understanding and respect woman's idea and thought. that is what i belief happens in this contemporary society. that is why it is accepted as part of a good masterpiece.
Siti Aliah bt Amirruddin
GS 24371
Hi everybody,
ReplyDeleteI do agree with Kalpana, since during those time, there are values segregation between genders. women possessed no power. The Awakening explains the role of women which cannot be fully accepted during those days. On the other hand, the stereotypical view of gender nowadays has been shown that there should not be segregation between the two genders. Thus, it is accepted nowadays for women also have the right to be exist in the work of literature
Khairunnisa Mohd Daud
GS24204