Wenjing Zhou

Kate Chopin is an outstanding American female writer in the 19th century. The Awakening depicts Edna Pontellier’s journey toward self-discovery and awakening, revealing women’s survival predicament in the patriarchal society of the 19th century. Tactile experiences can reflect one’s intentions. Drawing on Merleau-Ponty’s theory, this paper aims to analyze Edna’s tactile experiences with the sea, clothing, ring and different men, through which her awakening can be traced.

The Awakening; Kate Chopin; Tactile experiences; Female consciousness

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