Vol. 3, Issue 5, Part L (2017)

This paper explores Kate Chopin\\\'s The Awakening (1899) through the lens of gynocriticism, a critical framework that emphasizes the importance of female subjectivity and the unique perspectives women bring to literature. Gynocriticism aims to uncover and establish a female literary tradition by examining women\\\'s writing within their historical and cultural contexts. The Awakening holds a significant place in this tradition as an early and bold exploration of female autonomy and sexuality. The study focuses on Edna Pontellier’s journey towards self-awareness and independence, her defiance of patriarchal norms, and her exploration of sexual self-discovery. Key moments, such as Edna’s move to the \\\"pigeon house\\\" and her ultimate act of defiance through suicide, are examined to illustrate her struggle for autonomy and self-determination. By situating The Awakening within the broader context of gynocriticism, the paper underscores its enduring impact on feminist literature and its role in challenging and redefining the traditional narratives surrounding women\\\'s lives and experiences.