A Study on Symbols In Kate Chopin’s The Awakening;

Abstract

Symbolism is one of literary devices that is used by the author to make the idea of the novel more visible. Symbol as a part of symbolism is as important as well in a literary work to represent the idea. The Awakening by Kate Chopin contains many symbols that can be discussed. In this thesis, the meaning of the symbols that appear in the story becomes the problem to discuss, but it is limited only in social aspect. The analysis is conducted by using deductive method because more than one symbol represent one idea. Library research is also employed to collect data and information to support the analysis. The result shows that the symbols contain meaning that is relevant to the idea that is represented. By interpreting the symbol’s connotation, comparing the detail to its context, and also comparing its context to one another, and drawing the meaning beyond its literal meaning, it was found that each symbol is appropriate to emphasize the idea of social rules, the main character’s social condition, freedom and independence.