Edna Pontellier's domestic situation is nothing out of the ordinary for a wealthy New Orleans family. Her roles as a housewife and mother illustrate society's expectations of upper-class women during the Victorian era. Edna's burning desire to break away from her unhappy marriage and her stereotypical, oppressed female role guides her toward independence and self-control. Driven by passion, lust and her new sense of identity, Edna finds herself embroiled in a scandalous affair that forms the basis of her decision to break the conventions of her time. The use of symbols leads the reader to investigate the deeper meaning of Edna's journey. One of Chopin's most used symbols is food, which symbolizes Edna's realization of the expectations that society places on her and her transformation from an obedient mother and housewife into an empowered woman. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essay In The Awakening, Chopin uses food as a basis for acts that Edna feels compelled to enjoy. Mr. Pontellier sends his wife a basket of goods including syrups, bottles of wine, candy, pâtés and fresh fruit while he is on a business trip to New Orleans and she is in Grand Isle. When Edna shares the treats she received (and has become accustomed to receiving when her husband is away) with her friends, they comment on how wonderful Mr. Pontellier is, exclaiming that he is “the best husband in the world” (7). Edna feels obligated to agree with her friends that the food gift basket places Mr. Pontellier above the average man because of his "thoughtfulness." In this case, food is used as a tool to illustrate the resentment Edna feels towards the gift she receives. The candies and syrups, in Edna's eyes, serve as a reminder that she is expected to fulfill the stereotypical, submissive female role by graciously accepting her husband's "unique" gift and meeting all of his needs in return. Food is also used to illustrate Mr. Pontellier's masculine and officious personality. The traits that Edna's husband possesses at the beginning of the story force her to be submissive and dependent on him until she finally gains the strength to resist his domineering ways. An example of her "rebellious" behavior occurs when Edna authoritatively declares that she wishes to stay outside instead of going to sleep with Mr. Pontellier. In response to her refusal, he pours himself a glass of wine to relax, but also to ignore his wife's refusal (31). When he offers her a drink as if to apologize, she refuses him in defiance. The fact that Mr. Pontellier continues to drink wine and smoke cigars symbolizes his need to feel masculine, dominant and in control. Edna's refusal to accept her husband's apology represents her resentment of his emotional neglect and his move toward a more independent and less obedient lifestyle. Much like Mr. Pontellier's symbolically "masculine" wine, food is used to symbolize his control issues and his disgust at his wife's defiance. Edna's progression toward an "insubordinate" lifestyle is evidenced by her decision to go out in the afternoon rather than entertain her husband's visitors. When the couple sits down to eat, Mr. Pontellier is disgusted with his meal, and constantly complains about Edna's irresponsible and seditious decision (50-52). His dissatisfaction with the meal and his wife's actions prompts Edna to express her own satisfaction with her dinner as a silent revolt against her husband.Previously, if Mr. Pontellier had left his wife and gone to the club for a more acceptable meal, Edna would have been too distraught to finish her own dinner. But this time, Edna chooses to stay and finish her meal without him, as if trying to prove to herself that she is capable of being alone. Indeed, this meal signifies Edna's emerging desire to ignore her husband's needs in favor of her own desires. As the story progresses, Edna begins to feel more comfortable with the idea of ​​eating alone, suggesting her developing sense of liberation. In earlier chapters, she is upset at the thought of eating alone and angered by the lack of respect implied by her husband's actions. When Mr. Pontellier leaves, Edna tells the cooks that she will only need half the usual amount of food, as she is the only one home. Soon, however, she comes to dine alone, emphasizing the importance of food in The Awakening. Meals are a symbolic refuge from Edna's domestic responsibilities (72). Chopin glorifies Madame Pontellier's private meals by describing the "succulent filet mignon grilled to perfection" (73) and the luxurious taste of the wine. The newfound acceptance and pleasure that Edna experiences in dining alone demonstrates a clear evolution in her character. As Edna's story continues to unfold, she becomes more and more relaxed with herself and with her meals. One morning, when she receives a letter from Raoul, she decides to have breakfast half dressed (104), which she would never have done if she still lived in her old house with her husband, her children and his servants. Ms. Pontellier's new relaxed attitude gives her the poise and confidence she needs to become the person she wants to be. Edna's dinner with the Highcamps and Arobin after the races seems to return her to her former submissive status. The dinner conversation is boring, but Edna feels compelled to show interest. She realizes when she arrives home that she is still hungry because the portions she received from the Highcamps were insufficient, even if the meal was of very good quality (75), and decides to eat gruyere and crackers accompanied by a bottle of beer to satisfy his appetite (75). Although this act does not directly challenge any specific individual, she explicitly defies cultural norms by drinking an alcoholic beverage. At that time, drinking beer was considered completely unacceptable behavior for a woman. Edna's realization that drinking beer is generally associated with masculinity gives her a sense of power and helps her allow herself the same freedoms that her husband enjoys. There is another case where Edna drinks alcohol at Miss Reisz's house. She is offered cognac and she chooses to drink the alcohol from a glass as a man would (79). This example recalls when Edna drank beer earlier in the story and reinforces the symbolic effect of alcohol. The association of beer and brandy with masculinity and Edna's willingness to imbibe these drinks again suggest her desire to become a free woman. Edna's discovery continues when she comes across a garden in the suburbs of New Orleans. Here she finds peace, quiet and privacy from her daily concerns. Mrs. Pontellier states that "no one could make such excellent coffee or fry such golden chicken" (105) as the owner of the little store in the garden. Edna dines here twice a week to be alone (105). Mrs. Pontellier's desire to dine alone reinforces her desire to break societal norms and become self-sufficient. When Robert unexpectedly arrives at Edna's special house, she offers him..