How Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality Resonate Beyond the Novel
The Awakening was published in 1899, and the plot focuses on several months in the life of Edna Pontieller, a 28-year-old mother of two. As modern-day readers we may not entirely identify with the strict societal expectations of both men and women at that time, yet the theme of self-fulfillment still resonates today. Chopin introduces us to a few key characters who are influential in Edna’s evolution from a traditional mother and wife to a woman who decisively frees herself from a mortal life of “bondage†(i.e. marriage and motherhood).
The novel touches on many social issues, including motherhood, sexuality, socioeconomic differences, marriage, and suicide. Struggles similar to Edna’s thirst for independence, identity, and freedom are also explored in contemporary media. Here are a few film examples of female characters in untraditional roles, and/or characters addressing controversial issues in an effort to find freedom:
Motherhood, Marriage, and Family
A Doll’s House; The Scarlet Letter; He Said, She Said; Muriel’s Wedding; The Age of Innocence; Erin Brockovich; and Mermaids
Sexuality
The Color Purple, The Piano, Frida, Fried Green Tomatoes, She’s Gotta Have It, Out of Africa, Heavenly Creatures, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and The Crying Game
Socioeconomic/Racial Differences
The Long Walk Home, Jungle Fever, Ever After: A Cinderella Story, The Joy Luck Club, Beloved, A Woman Called Moses, and Saving Face
Suicide
The Virgin Suicides, Dead Poet’s Society, The Hours, The Shawshank Redemption, What Dreams May Come, Romeo and Juliet, Full Metal Jacket, The Happening, White Oleander, Seven Pounds, Thelma and Louise, and Girl, Interrupted
Independence, Identity and Empowerment
A League of Their Own, Thelma and Louise, Waiting to Exhale, Bend It Like Beckham,The Wizard of Oz, Norma Rae, Silkwood, If These Walls Could Talk, and Fargo
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