Key+Literary+Elements!

Key Literary Elements Back to home page


 * Themes~**the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work [[image:Panio.jpg align="right"]]

In the novel these two componects went together. Back then women were not ale to have free expression. As Edna Pontellier goes through her gradual awakening, she strays away from her society in order to gain indepencedce and free expression. There are three ways that Edna learns to express herself. After listening to Mademoiselle Reisz play the paino something awakens inside Edna and she begins to express herself by painting. She also starts to express her slef by learning how to talk about her emotions and her desires out in the open from her friends on Grand Isle. Edna also expresses her repressed love and passion with Robert and Alcée.
 * Solitude as the Consequence of Independence**
 * The Implications of Self-Expression**


 * Motifs~**recurring structures, contrasts, and literary devices that can help to develop and inform the [[image:House.jpg align="right"]]text’s major themes

Edna at many times listens to music being played on a panio. At first when she hears the music she gets random pictures that play in her head. Later on, as Ednas' awakening progresses, she is able to understand what the piece of music is saying to her. This transition shows Edna's developing stages. It is by listening to music that Edna begins to paint with emotions. There are three house that mark as she progression throughout the novel. Her main house is where Edna is expected to be the perfect mother and the best social hostess. Then when Rob took her to the house at Grand Isle Edna develped emtions toward Robert and she was able to develope a life of her own, for a short time, with just Robert and did not have to worry about anything else. The last house she stayed in was the "pigeon house". This was the little house that she moved away from her family and her social life in order to feel at home and independent.
 * Music**
 * Houses**


 * Symbols~**objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts [[image:Sea.jpg align="right"]]

The encaged birds that are repetted throughout the novel symbolize her self entrapment as well. Like the caged bird women had controled movents made by society. The Sea symbolizes Freedom and escape. Edna goes to the sea and is at peace. Water also symbolizes rebirth, and it makes sense that Edna ends her life in the sea at the end of the novel.
 * Birds**
 * The Sea**