2) There are two major themes to Kate Chopin's The Awakening. The first of these themes is the freedom from social expectations, the second is suicide which seems to be the solution to the problems caused by the first theme. These themes are present throughout the entire book although suicide doesn't become apparent until later in the story. In the very first lines of the story the theme of social freedom begins to form. The author …showed first 75 words of 2539 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2539 total… their spouses. While Edna really gave it no consideration, it can now ruin your life even worse. You can not just run away with your suitor anymore because you would be running away from your very identity. Finally, women now are still seeking fulfilling independent lives that have no ties to their family. This allows them to have personal relaxation time away from the people they are with all the time.