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Most Helpful Favorable Review
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
AWESOME
A fascinating glimpse into a world that is past -- a world that was on the brink of change. Even if this were not a gripping story in its own right (which, by all means, it is), "The Awakening" would be worth reading simply for this social-historical vision.
This editi...Read More
This editi...Read More
A fascinating glimpse into a world that is past -- a world that was on the brink of change. Even if this were not a gripping story in its own right (which, by all means, it is), "The Awakening" would be worth reading simply for this social-historical vision.
This edition of The Awakening is a beautifully compiled work. I found it incredibly insightful as I used it for research papers in high school and college. The essays and criticism from Chopin's era are priceless. It was so helpful to have those along with the text, they really gave insight one could not find elsewhere. The Awakening continues to be my favorite book, this my favorite edition. If you are going to write a paper on this book or Chopin there is no other book that will help you more. This was a shocking novel in 1899 but today Pontellier's turmoil and dilemma would be neither unusual nor frightening and perhaps that is why modern man and woman usually succeed in handling these situations in a far better way than Pontellier.Show Less
This edition of The Awakening is a beautifully compiled work. I found it incredibly insightful as I used it for research papers in high school and college. The essays and criticism from Chopin's era are priceless. It was so helpful to have those along with the text, they really gave insight one could not find elsewhere. The Awakening continues to be my favorite book, this my favorite edition. If you are going to write a paper on this book or Chopin there is no other book that will help you more. This was a shocking novel in 1899 but today Pontellier's turmoil and dilemma would be neither unusual nor frightening and perhaps that is why modern man and woman usually succeed in handling these situations in a far better way than Pontellier.Show Less
posted by LVB4H8T on October 7, 2009
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4 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Worst book ever!
This book was a waste of my money. The book had too many languages in it. The story line made absolutely no sense. The book was very slow from beginning to end. Im gonna warn you right now.....this book will waste your time and money.
posted by 8667145 on November 9, 2011
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LVB4H8T
Posted October 7, 2009
I Also Recommend:
AWESOME
A fascinating glimpse into a world that is past -- a world that was on the brink of change. Even if this were not a gripping story in its own right (which, by all means, it is), "The Awakening" would be worth reading simply for this social-historical vision.
This edition of The Awakening is a beautifully compiled work. I found it incredibly insightful as I used it for research papers in high school and college. The essays and criticism from Chopin's era are priceless. It was so helpful to have those along with the text, they really gave insight one could not find elsewhere. The Awakening continues to be my favorite book, this my favorite edition. If you are going to write a paper on this book or Chopin there is no other book that will help you more. This was a shocking novel in 1899 but today Pontellier's turmoil and dilemma would be neither unusual nor frightening and perhaps that is why modern man and woman usually succeed in handling these situations in a far better way than Pontellier.6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted November 9, 2011
Worst book ever!
This book was a waste of my money. The book had too many languages in it. The story line made absolutely no sense. The book was very slow from beginning to end. Im gonna warn you right now.....this book will waste your time and money.
4 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted August 22, 2011
Awful in every aspect of the word.
To anyone hoping for any sort of entertainment from this story, you will be sorely disappointed. The characters are bland and flat, the plot holds no substance and the main conflict delivers neither a good payoff nor a satisfying resolution. The book's main character is meant to give off an air of independence and strength. She is meant to represent changing times and the will of women everywhere. Instead she comes off as a whiney brat with not a care for anyone but herself. Not only does she neglect her husband, but also the children that she brought into thos world. She moans and groans about the lack of attention given to her, all while completely staying in the background, running about with other men. No character in this novel is likable, and the ones who you manage not to hate all end up being boringand underused. Do not read this book.
3 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted June 20, 2007
A book showcasing the peril inherent in one's pursuit of self-reinvention
A broad-brush, sociological analysis of the book reveals that it¿s a story that features an `individual-versus-society¿ theme, raising the usual thought-provoking questions: Can individuals flaunt with impunity the unwritten laws of society? Can they break out of the mold in which society has cast them? Or do they, for all their valiant efforts, end up affirming the truth of the Japanese proverb: `The nail that sticks out will be hammered down¿? Here, you have Edna Pontellier, a married Creole woman of the late 19th century who, by a confluence of circumstances, realizes that she¿s been straitjacketed by conventions all her life and thereafter resolves ¿ without much thought of the consequences ¿ to free herself from the chokehold of a bland existence and give full form and substance to her intellectual, artistic, emotional, and sexual proclivities. She thus takes a series of bold, reckless steps in this direction, and not even the sweet joys of parenthood or the discreet interventions of friends like Adele Ratignolle and Dr. Mandelet can hold her back. Indeed, she finds herself incurably captivated by the prospect of attaining full independence (and by implication, gaining unqualified affirmation of her individuality) she¿s drawn to it like a moth to a flame. Not surprisingly, however, her precipitate transformation heightens her sense of isolation even as it gives her a sense of empowerment. The more she becomes more of herself, the more her sense of attachment to others unravels. Unfortunately for her, the trade-off between independence and isolation takes on the character of a Faustian bargain, and consequently, her situation becomes increasingly unbearable. Things come to a head when Robert Lebrun, for whom she has felt the stirrings of passion, eventually, reluctantly, reveals his affection for her but proves unable ¿ or unwilling? ¿ to act on it. Unlike her, he is still pretty much a product of the society in which he has been bred. He can¿t ¿ or won¿t? ¿ bring himself to defy communal expectations by having an illicit affair with her no matter how much he loves her, no matter how much she wants it. And this turn of events proves to be the proverbial last straw, predisposing her to kill herself. In view of the ending, how then should one interpret the story? Is this a resounding triumph of society over a defiant individual? Or is this a tragic yet heroic struggle of a defiant individual? It¿s all a matter of perspective, I reckon. Those who regard Edna Pontellier¿s transformation as a mutation will say it¿s about the dire, social consequence of individual maladjustment, of an individual¿s misguided desire to defy social conventions in pursuit of self-reinvention. On the other hand, those who regard it as a metamorphosis (yours truly included) will say it¿s about the provocative assertion of individuality in the face of overwhelming social constraints it¿s about an individual who has tired of playing by the stipulated rules of the game, as it were, and dares to quit for good ¿ and does so to good effect.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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VMValadez
Posted October 15, 2010
Highly Recommended
Kate Chopin's The Awakening was published on April 22, 1899 by Herbert S. Stone & Company in Chicago. Chopin wrote the feminist novel in the time period when husbands had expectations that the wife must accomplish. Caring for the kids and keeping the house intact were just a few expectations among others. Chopin writes from the perspective of a trapped woman who frees herself from the ropes her husband has tied. With much detail, Chopin describes every step taken by the protagonist, Edna Pontellier, as she advances and quickly becomes the woman she has dreamt to be. Her transition from obedient wife to independent soul takes Mrs. Pontellier through an unforgettable journey. The adventure, which Mrs. Pontellier embarks on, introduces her to liberation and independence.
The Awakening would best fit readers who are willing to dig deeper into the novel. Readers should be willing to extract her action in order to completely understand her reasons. I would recommend this novel to high school students with moderate experience in challenging books. The pacing in this difficult novel is slow. The author wrote this story in a short time frame in order to give specific detail on her experiences with liberty. The protagonist developed her character early in the novel. As the novel began, readers could see signs of a woman taking the first steps of rebellion. Towards the end, it was evident that Mrs. Pontellier had completely transformed from a trapped soul to soaring dove, living her life to the fullest. She threw a party at her house while her husband was away to show her independence as a new woman.2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted June 7, 2005
The ending is the best
This book was about a woman that clearly did not know what she wanted. She was so confused that it annoyed me. She had a husband that treated her well and two children but decided that wasn't the life for her. Instead she fools around with another man while in love with a different one than that. She is a tease and just couldn't surrender to the conformity of life. I despised this book quite a bit. She clearly had mental problems and should have been institutionalized. The best part about the book is the end when she kills herself and proves that she truly is crazy. I would reccomend this book to no one.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted June 9, 2005
Good Turn of the Century Novel, but a Slow Read
The book is about a woman trying to find herself while bound by the constraints of society. Throughout the book she falls asleep and reawakens to realize something new about herself. I believe that the story of the book is very strong, but where it lacks is in the writing itself. I found the writing to be drawn out, and too wordy. Chopin was a turn of the century writer, and many of these writers used such a style. I believe Chopins other works such as her short story Deseree's Baby, were a little more exciting and were a bit easier to read because they were in short story form. The story of The Awakening could make a very good short story, but the novel form drags the story too much.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted January 2, 2005
Best short stories I have ever read
I read Kate Chopin's The Awakening for a Lit course.I have read many books.Chopin's stories stay in my mind.I remember her characters as REAL people.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted December 29, 2004
Not worth your time
I had to read this book for school. I usually like to read but this book was so bad I could barely stand it.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted July 6, 2004
an awful book
i read a lot and i love to read but i had to read this book for mah AP english class and i literally had to force myself to read it. it is such a slow moving boring book.i wouldnt recommend it to anyone, in fact i recommend that you dont read it and spare yourself the pain.
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted January 4, 2000
What a sad demoralizing book
I found the book sad. The message of this book seems to be if you find that your life as taken you someplace you don't like - just give up. Not the message I want my daughters to get.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Kim_Duppy
Posted March 19, 2012
I Also Recommend:
Not Recommended
As a feminist I find it more than a little depressing that this book was so influential within the movement. Though I can sympathize with the protagonist's plight, I cannot sympathize with her. She's not terribly nice, and it's not clear that it's her circumstances that make her that way; she just seems like an incorrigible person (I could explain this further, but I'd have to give away the ending, and I don't think that's not allowed). It's no wonder she's so unhappy.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted January 21, 2012
White whine
This book is annoyingly boring and provided insight into the dull minds of 17th century women.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted January 3, 2012
A
Boringggg !!!!
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted January 3, 2012
Boring
This book is very slow and boring .
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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proofreadersp
Posted December 3, 2011
boring
A little too much description for every movement & thought. Very slow & boring!
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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auntie_mammy123
Posted May 1, 2011
great book
I love this book! I have it in 3 different forms and this particular one has a few small glitches but nothing major! cant beat the price:0
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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HKIM05
Posted April 11, 2011
Awakening of the Mind
"I would give up the unessential; I would give up my money, I would give up my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself." THE AWAKENING written by Kate Chopin portraits a world back in the late 1800s. A fascinating story of the life of a young woman, who is also a wife and a mother, shows challenges against the values of the world during that particular time period. Kate Chopin describes a world that she has been dreaming of, that she believes in women can say something rather than being controlled by men. The protagonist went against the important moral issue that was highly valued back in those days. The author applied adultery issues into the life of the main character to describe her journey towards freedom and independence. The story itself is a well-written piece, which made it easier for readers to take a quick glance into a world that has been nearly hundred years ago. Even though the novel is one of the most famous classic pieces, the clear usage of language and style of the author helped the readers in the process of understanding the conflicts. Kate Chopin, an explorer who challenged the idea of sexuality in American literature back in 1800s will guide readers to awaken their minds of ideas of individuality and liberty, which are concepts that we can observe in today's world thankful to the pioneer authors.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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A Banned Book Worth Reading
I read The Awakening to celebrate Banned Books Week 2010, after I found it on a list of frequently challenged books. It's a wonderful book, but only if you are prepared to appreciate it for what it is: an early feminist novel and a classic. Don't pick this book up if you're looking for a love story! The Awakening is about a Victorian woman who realizes how trapped she is, and not really about sex or love, though that is what makes her realize it.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Loyalty in The Awakening and The Crucible by S.Weismann
Throughout the novels I read, The Crucible and The Awakening I believe that loyalty is the dominant theme of both books.
Throughout The Awakening, Edna Pontellier is the main character and feels the need to be an independent woman and not have the feeling of being owned. She goes through an "awakening" or other people would call it "re-birth". She does not appreciate anything that her husband buys her or the things he does for her, instead she chooses to be disloyal to Leonce. She spends a lot of time with Robert, a friend who is also Grand Isle at the time. She is not only untrue to her husband with Robert, but also with Alcee. Her disloyalty brings death upon her; she commits suicide in the sea. If she was loyal to her husband like her close friend Adele, she might still be alive. She chose to be selfish and be independent like she wanted, not thinking what her actions and death would do to her husband and children. Adele is the perfect example of how a woman should act. She worships her husband and is extremely loyal to him. She centers her life around her family, always trying to do the right thing.
While reading The Crucible, I found that loyalty is the most dominant theme. John Procter starts out by not being loyal and faithful to his wife by having an affair with Abigail, their servant. Later in the play he is in court and his wife denies that he had an affair, even though she knows they did. She was being loyal when in reality John wanted her to confess to save John. Also the girls who were "dancing" in the woods were loyal to each other and not telling anyone what they were really doing. Not until the end of the play did Mary break off and become disloyal to her friends, trying to save herself. Not only in the court was Elizabeth being loyal, she also was loyal to him in the past when she found out about the affair. She stuck by his side when she knew about the affair and only fired Abigail.
There are many themes in every piece of writing that one would read. Choosing dominant themes can be difficult but I feel that Loyalty is one of the leading themes in the two books I read. Being loyal is a trait that is very important to anyone in life. It can only do one good and will not cause harm unless one is disloyal.1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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