Awakening by Kate Chopin: Her maturity and the morality of suicide
Abstract
Themes of maturity, liberty, and the ability to morally commit suicide are explored through Edna Pontellier of Kate Chopin's 'The Awakening' and a variety of philosophies including early feminist theory and early utilitarianism. It is found through the language of the narration that Edna was not emotionally mature enough to claim liberty, and she was not mature enough to conclusively and morally come to the decision to end her life.