Abstract

This thesis analyses the love, marriage and family ethics of Kate Chopin in The Awakening, from the perspective of close reading. Through combining the social background of the novel and the social status of women, it makes an emphasis on analyzing the ethical issues of relationship between Edna and Mr. Pontellier, Edna and Robert and the comparison of family members between Pontellier family and Ratignolle family as well as probing the ethical imbalance due to the influences of social patriarchy of that time. At last it reveals the love, marriage and family ethics of Kate Chopin. It aims to awaken people that they should strive for freedom and love and realize that parents’ exemplary role is so important to the growth of children.

Keywords: Kate Chopin; The Awakening; love, marriage ethics; family  ethics

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Kate Chopin and her works-1

1.2 Close reading and the study of significance-1

2. Literature Review-2

3. The Background of The Awakening-3

4. The Love and Marriage Ethics in The Awakening-5

4.1 The loveless marriage -Edna and Mr.Pontellier-5

4.2 The pursuit of free love -Edna and Robert-7

5. The Family Ethics in The Awakening-9

6. Conclusion-10

Works Cited-12